Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

After just two minutes during the international break, Man Utd ace returns to Carrington

Originally posted on HITC | By Dan Coombs | Last updated Sep 9, 2025 10:28 AM ET

One of Manchester United’s top players has already finished his international break, despite seeing very little action on the pitch.

United are used to facing injury concerns on international breaks, with Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial as prime examples over recent seasons.

So it is usually not a bad thing when a player is not picked or does not play much for their country. Less time on the pitch means less risk of injury, and generally fewer knocks to deal with afterwards.

The 2025/26 season is a bit different, though. With no European football on the calendar, there is a case to be made that some extra minutes during international breaks could actually help keep players sharp.

However, Matthijs de Ligt did not really get that chance over this most recent break.

Matthijs de Ligt left out of Dutch line-up again

Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

Despite making his international debut for the Netherlands as a teenager, Matthijs de Ligt is currently considered only a back-up player under manager Ronald Koeman.

The coach went with Virgil van Dijk and Jan Paul van Hecke for the match against Poland, while Micky van de Ven started at left-back. When Van Hecke came off late on, it was Stefan de Vrij who got the nod from the bench.

De Ligt did not get on the pitch, a clear sign of where he stands in Koeman’s plans at the moment.

Against Lithuania on Sunday night, Van Dijk and De Vrij were chosen to start. De Ligt did come off the bench in the 88th minute, but only after Van de Ven and Jurrien Timber had already been introduced much earlier in the second half.

Despite playing only two minutes across two matches for the Netherlands during the international break, the defender registered four clearances in their 3-2 away victory over Lithuania.

De Ligt heads back to Carrington

On the plus side, Matthijs de Ligt will now head back to Carrington feeling rested and likely a bit motivated to show more.

The Dutch defender has a full week ahead to get ready for Manchester United’s next game, which happens to be the derby against Manchester City.

De Ligt has been in the starting XI for all three of United’s Premier League matches this season, and is expected to keep his place at the Etihad Stadium.

His teammate Joshua Zirkzee, however, faces a less clear path into the line-up.

Zirkzee was not named in Koeman’s Dutch squad for the break, giving him extra time to train in Manchester instead.

With Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount both picking up knocks against Burnley, Zirkzee could find himself with an opportunity in the derby.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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