Why Matthijs de Ligt is absent for Man Utd vs Spurs

Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt has not made the matchday squad to face Tottenham Hotspur tonight due to illness.

The Netherlands international had a slow start to the campaign for United, but he has become a key player over the past few months.

The Dutchman has been ever-present under new manager Ruben Amorim, but he won't be involved in the League Cup quarter-final due to illness.

His absence is definitely a blow for the Red Devils, considering Victor Lindelof has been largely inconsistent in the backline.

United will be hoping that he can recover in time for the Premier League clash against Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The club sealed a stunning 2-1 comeback win over Manchester City last weekend and they are now just six points behind the top four.

They need to continue winning to close down the deficit. It won't be an easy task against the Cherries, who play an attacking style of football.