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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 Dutch international, who has been out since November, had recently returned to light training but is now forced to go under the knife to resolve the problem.
The operation ends De Ligt’s season
Manchester United have officially confirmed that De Ligt has undergone a corrective procedure to resolve a long-standing back problem. The 26-year-old has not played for the Red Devils since late autumn and will now face a lengthy rehabilitation period which will rule him out of the upcoming World Cup in North America.
The club released a statement clarifying the situation, emphasizing that the decision was taken in the best interests of the player after intensive recovery work failed to yield the expected results.
De Ligt shares moving message
The former Bayern Munich star shared his heartbreak with fans on social media, posting a photo from his hospital bed. Returning to the field in April, the defender admitted that surgery had finally become the only logical path after six months of frustration and setbacks.
On Instagram, De Ligt said: “After 6 months of treatment and working hard to come back, surgery was the only option left. I’m disappointed that I couldn’t help the team over the last 6 months and obviously missed the World Cup, but I’m looking forward to doing everything I can 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 determination to return, De Ligt added: “Since November, I have done everything, pushing myself in every session and exploring every option, to get back to doing what I love, playing football. I am grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout this difficult period of my career. I remain more determined than ever to represent Manchester United and play in front of our incredible fans as quickly as possible.”
A long road to recovery
The Netherlands international made just 14 appearances this season before injury took hold. Carrick had recently highlighted the unpredictable nature of the back problems, explaining that while the player was improving, it was simply “not as fast as we all hope” and that the club would not gamble with his long-term health.
With 24 matches already missed, the focus now shifts entirely 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 matches of the season, as the club continue to wait for their expensive defensive signing to return to full fitness.
