Matthijs de Ligt situation at Man Utd is ‘insane’ says ESPN pundit, who totally disagrees with Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick’s reaction to Manchester United’s draw against Leeds has been questioned.

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick was upbeat after the team fought for a 1-1 draw against Leeds. The Red Devils boss was pleased with the attitude of the players to earn a point at Elland Road, in a match many had tipped the team to lose.

Former Premier League player Frank LeBoeuf has told ESPN FC that he does not share the same viewpoint as the Manchester United manager.

He said: “I totally disagree with Carrick saying that it was a fresh start. No, that wasn’t there. Yeah, you didn’t lose. That’s a good point. One point, but that wasn’t enough. That wasn’t really not enough when you are Manchester United.”

United’s point was made to look worse because for the second game in a row, the Red Devils let a 1-0 lead slip.

LeBoeuf questioned why Matthijs de Ligt was an unused substitute on the bench, with the Netherlands star yet to make an appearance this season.

“They made bad choices and they have to cope with that. I saw the the the team and I saw Matthjis de Ligt is still there. He’s on the bench doesn’t play. How come? That’s that’s insane.

“You picked the wrong players and that’s the result.”

United are taking De Ligt’s recovery slowly, but there are still questions

Matthijs de Ligt has not played a minute for Manchester United since the 2-1 win at Selhurst Park on November 2025.

De Ligt was then ruled out with a back injury that ended up requiring surgery in the summer.

United have named De Ligt on the bench for the past two games, but he is yet to appear.

And while United are understandably treating the defender with caution, it is fair to ask, ‘if he is fit to be on the bench, why is he not being selected to play?’.

United have three more fixtures before the end of October, facing Como, Bournemouth and then Chelsea.

We still don’t expect De Ligt to start any of these games – but it would be progress if he could get some minutes as a substitute.