Matthijs de Ligt Ruled Out of Europa League Final in Major Blow to Manchester United
Manchester United will be without key defender Matthijs de Ligt for the upcoming Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, after the Dutch international was officially ruled out due to a lingering foot injury sustained in April.
The news comes as a heavy setback for United, whose defensive line is already under pressure with injuries to Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro.
De Ligt’s unavailability is especially poignant considering his past with Spurs—having suffered a painful Champions League semi-final loss to them in 2019 while captaining Ajax. The opportunity to face them again on a major European stage would have carried emotional significance.
Though he had recently returned to full training, fresh medical evaluations confirmed the 24-year-old will not be fit in time for the final in Bilbao.
His absence robs United of vital leadership and defensive stability as they attempt to secure both the Europa League title and a Champions League spot for next season.
Manager Rúben Amorim must now reconfigure his backline ahead of the decisive clash, as Tottenham prepare to chase their first European trophy in over four decades.
The final takes place on Wednesday, May 21, at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, kicking off at 8 PM UK time. It will be available live in the UK via Discovery+ (free for new users), as well as TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate.
While De Ligt’s injury is a bitter blow, it opens the door for other players to rise to the occasion and potentially become heroes on one of Europe’s biggest nights.
