Man Utd handed major injury boost as star returns for Champions League

The Red Devils visit the La Liga outfit in the Champions League on Tuesday on matchday two of the league phase. Michael Carrick's side got off to a winning return at Europe's top table, beating minnows Sabah 4-0 at Old Trafford last time out.

Now, they have been handed an additional boost, with centre-back De Ligt returning after almost a year out with a back problem that he picked up against Crystal Palace. Caution will be taken over the Dutchman, who travelled with his team-mates to Fulham before the international break, but he did not make the matchday squad.

Return: Matthijs de Ligt PA Belief was building at Carrington when he featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against sister club Lausanne-Sport, and now, the club have confirmed that he will be part of the squad that converges on the Estadio Metropolitano. United have been dealt a double injury blow in the build-up to the game, with Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw left at home.

Carrick confirmed on Monday evening that the pair had picked up knocks in the 1-1 draw with Tottenham, and as such, they would both be ruled out of the trip to the Spanish capital. United are sat in 12th in the Premier League after a stuttering start to the campaign, and scrutiny only intensified on Carrick after Dominic Solanke's late equaliser at Old Trafford salvaged a share of the spoils for Roberto De Zerbi's ten men.