Mathis de ligt reveals what the doctor told Him today ahead of their Europa final against Tottenham

Matthijs de Ligt, Manchester United’s defensive cornerstone, has been ruled out of the upcoming Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur due to a foot injury sustained in April. This setback is a significant blow to United’s defense, already strained by injuries to key players like Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro.

De Ligt’s absence is particularly poignant given his history with Tottenham. In 2019, as Ajax’s captain, he experienced a heartbreaking Champions League semi-final loss to Spurs, a match he described as a “nightmare.” Now, missing the chance to face them again in a European final adds to his personal disappointment.

The Dutch defender had recently returned to full training, raising hopes of his participation in the final. However, medical assessments have deemed him unfit for the crucial match in Bilbao. His leadership and defensive prowess will be sorely missed as United aim to secure European glory and a spot in next season’s Champions League.

Manager Ruben Amorim faces the challenge of reorganizing his defense without De Ligt. The team’s resilience will be tested as they confront a formidable Tottenham side, determined to end their European trophy drought since 1984.

The Europa League final is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, with kickoff at 8 PM UK time. UK viewers can watch the match live and for free via Discovery+ if they are new subscribers, with additional broadcast options including TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate.

As the Red Devils prepare for this pivotal encounter, the absence of De Ligt underscores the challenges they face. Yet, it also presents an opportunity for other squad members to step up and etch their names into club history.

That’s a heartbreaking twist for both **Matthijs de Ligt** and Manchester United just ahead of such a crucial fixture.

De Ligt’s injury comes at the worst possible time — not just because of what he offers defensively, but due to the symbolic importance of facing **Tottenham**, the very club that shattered his European dream with Ajax in 2019. His absence from the **Europa League final** strips United of a calming, authoritative presence at the back, especially with **Lisandro Martínez** and **Leny Yoro** also struggling with fitness.

**Ruben Amorim** now faces a major tactical reshuffle. Without De Ligt’s leadership, United may have to rely on a less experienced or makeshift pairing — perhaps **Victor Lindelöf**, **Willy Kambwala**, or even a reshuffled backline featuring **Casemiro** dropping deep if available. That could create vulnerabilities against a Spurs side with dangerous attacking threats like **Heung-Min Son** and **James Maddison**.

Despite the setback, this match becomes a massive opportunity for fringe players or rising talents to step into the spotlight. **Winning the Europa League** would secure Champions League football next season — a critical goal for the INEOS project and Amorim’s debut season.

As for fans, the fact that the **match is free on Discovery+** (for new subscribers) and also on **TNT Sports 1 and Ultimate** makes it widely accessible — which is fitting for what promises to be a dramatic European night.

If you’d like, I can offer:

* A **predicted United lineup** without De Ligt
* Tactical options Amorim might use against Spurs
* Key battles to watch in the final

Let me know how you’d like to dive deeper.