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Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt has seen his season and World Cup dreams come to an end after undergoing surgery on a persistent back injury.
The Netherlands international, who has been out since November, had recently returned to light training but has now been forced to go under the knife to fix the problem.
Surgery ends De Ligt’s season
Manchester United have officially confirmed that De Ligt has undergone a corrective procedure to address a long-standing back problem. The 26-year-old has not featured for the Red Devils since late autumn and will now face a lengthy period of rehabilitation that rules him out of the upcoming World Cup in North America.
The club released a statement clarifying the situation, noting that the decision was made in the player’s best interest after intensive recovery work failed to produce the necessary results.
De Ligt shares an emotional message
The former Bayern Munich star took to social media to share his heartbreak with fans by posting a picture from his hospital bed. After returning to grass in April, the defender admitted surgery eventually became the only logical way forward after six months of frustration and setbacks.
De Ligt wrote on Instagram: “After 6 months of treatment and hard work to come back, surgery was the only option left. I’m disappointed that I couldn’t help the team for the last 6 months and of course miss the World Cup, but I’m looking forward to doing everything to get back in front of the fans and feel better again.”
Frustration for Michael Carrick
The timing is particularly cruel for De Ligt, who has yet to play a single minute under Michael Carrick.
Speaking to the club’s official website about his desire to return, De Ligt added: “Since November I have done everything, pushed myself in every session and explored every possibility to get back to doing what I love, playing football. I am grateful to everyone who has supported me through a difficult period in my career. I am still so determined to represent Manchester United as soon as possible.”
A long road to recovery
The Dutch international played just 14 games this season before the injury took hold. Carrick had recently noted the unpredictable nature of back problems, explaining that while the player was on the mend, it was simply “not as fast as we all hope” and that the club would not play with his long-term health.
With 24 missed games, the focus now shifts all the way to the 2026-27 season. De Ligt’s absence leaves United with Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro to navigate the final games of the season as the club continue to wait for their big defensive signing to return to full fitness.
