Man Utd await De Ligt assessment after injury setback at Brentford

Manchester United have been dealt a significant setback after Matthijs de Ligt was forced off the pitch due to injury during Sunday’s defeat at Brentford. 

The Dutch defender, making his first start since early April, was replaced by Harry Maguire after just 35 minutes, following a collision in the build-up to Brentford’s second goal.

Manager Ruben Amorim admitted uncertainty over the severity of the injury. “I hope it is (only) a small issue because I am concerned, not only about this game (against Athletic), but about the squad for the next year”. 

De Ligt had only recently returned from a foot injury that sidelined him for four Premier League matches and both legs of the Europa League quarter-final. Amorim acknowledged the risk taken in bringing Maguire on and substituting Luke Shaw at half-time to preserve options for the European fixture.

Initial assessments suggest De Ligt’s injury could be serious, potentially ruling him out for the remainder of the season. Further medical evaluation is expected in the coming days to determine the full extent of the problem.