Manchester United’s Matthijs de Ligt missed the match against West Ham due to a “minor” problem, head coach Ruben Amorim has revealed. However, the Red Devils manager remains optimistic that the Dutch defender will be fit to play against Wolves on Monday night.
Amorim had to draft young defender Aiden Haven, who was rumored to be on loan in January, to fill a hole in the backline at Old Trafford. The 19-year-old made his first league start in the 2025/26 season. United are already without Harry Maguire through injury, while Lenny Yolo was forced to sit on the bench after a tough game against Crystal Palace.
The game against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side will be the first game that De Ligt has missed all season. The former Juventus and Bayern Munich defender has featured regularly in Premier League matches, coming off the bench in the Carabao Cup match against Grimsby Town.
Amorim admitted the difficulty of losing De Ligt given his current form. However, the former Sporting manager believes this is a great opportunity for Heaven.
“When you look at that position, it’s difficult especially this year because it’s just Harry[Maguire]and Matta playing that position,” Amorim told Premier League Productions.
“It’s a setback. He’s been performing very well. But I’m really excited about Aiden (Heaven). He’s working hard. I believe he has the right qualities to play there.”
“It’s a big opportunity for everyone to see Aiden. It’s a small thing for Matta. We expect Matthijs to be there for the next game (against Molineux).”
However, Ten was sent off at halftime and replaced by Yoro.
Nousair Mazraoui was also included in the squad along with Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw, with Amad playing as a wing-back against the Hammers. Lisandro Martinez will provide further defensive cover off the bench.
Before the game, Amorim spoke about Yoro’s situation in light of his recent struggles. “That’s really important. I talked to him too, because he overthinks and makes mistakes and then he struggles,” he said.
“He wants to do well in everything he does. He’s growing through games and setbacks, which hasn’t been easy for him at such a young age.
“He can’t show people what he was when he came on the bench, he knows that. It shows he cares and he knows it wasn’t his best game.”
