Matthijs de Ligt has returned to grass training as he works toward a Manchester United comeback following a prolonged back injury that has kept him out of action since late November.

The Netherlands international, 26, was last seen in competitive action during United's 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace on November 30, a result that now feels a distant memory amid what has become a turbulent season at Old Trafford. Since then, de Ligt has been unable to feature in a single matchday squad under head coach Michael Carrick.

Carrick acknowledged last month that there was no guarantee de Ligt would play again this campaign, describing the back problem as "proving difficult" while praising the centre-back's patience and positive attitude during his recovery.

Club issues positive update

Manchester United published encouraging images of de Ligt working under the supervision of the club's medical staff, offering fans a first look at his return to outdoor training.

"De Ligt is working on the grass doing some individual training. The centre-back is working individually and doing everything he can to return. De Ligt is focused on returning to full fitness, as of yet Michael Carrick has not disclosed a timescale when he is due to return to action."

Despite the improved images, de Ligt will not be available when United host Brentford on Monday, with no firm return date yet confirmed by the manager.

Injury picture ahead of Brentford

Harry Maguire will be available for the Brentford fixture after completing a two-game suspension, offering Carrick some defensive reinforcement. However, Lisandro Martínez remains suspended and will miss the match.

Leny Yoro, who sat out last weekend's 1-0 win at Chelsea through injury, is being assessed ahead of Monday's game. Carrick confirmed there is a possibility Yoro could feature, though his availability is not yet certain.

Patrick Dorgu continues his recovery from a hamstring injury, though Carrick noted the winger is making "good progress" and drawing closer to rejoining full training.

"Patrick's working his way to being back, certainly making good progress and back closer to training with us, which is positive, so that's good news," Carrick said."[Yoro], we're still working on that one. So, there's a possibility, there's a possibility, but at this stage, it's not 100 per cent sure."