Matthijs de Ligt has returned to Manchester United's starting XI for their Champions League clash against Como - for his first competitive appearance of any kind in 11 months.

The Dutchman has been out of action with a serious back injury that required surgery, and had been named on the bench for each of United's last two fixtures.

But head coach Michael Carrick elected to throw him in at the deep end against Como in an attempt to bolster a backline that has looked anything but confident in recent weeks. And United fans have all come to the same conclusion after watching his first 45 minutes back in the side.

Man Utd fans reach immediate Matthijs de Ligt verdict

De Ligt's return to the United fold was marked by his side conceding inside just two minutes, with Nico Paz putting Cesc Fabregas' side ahead at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium.

But the Dutchman produced a fine clearance several minutes later to ease what surely would have been nerves ahead of his comeback.

United had very little choice but to play De Ligt from the start against Como with Lisandro Martinez and Ayden Heaven both injured, and Leny Yoro suspended. But that fact will not have gone unnoticed in the context of Lisandro Martinez's explosive rant after last week's 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid, where he criticised United's lack of investment and a lack of squad depth.

"He could have fielded De Ligt in the league for him to gain his match fitness and confidence before a Champions League game," one fan wrote of Carrick.

"Starting De Ligt who's not had much game time with a slow Maguire is asking for trouble," another said.

While a third added: "Not exactly confident with De Ligt just being thrown into this game after just coming back from that lengthy injury. No even sub appearance before this game."

More to follow...