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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 has now been forced to undergo surgery to resolve 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 played for the Red Devils since late autumn and will now face a long rehabilitation period that will rule him out of the next World Cup in North America.
The club issued a statement clarifying the situation, noting that the decision was made in the best interests of the player after intense recovery work did not yield the necessary results.
De Ligt shares emotional message
The former Bayern Munich star took to social media to share his heartbreak with fans, posting a photo from his hospital bed. After initially returning to the pitch in April, the defender admitted that surgery finally became the only logical path forward after six months of frustration and setbacks.
Writing on Instagram, De Ligt said: “After 6 months of treatment and working hard to return, surgery was the only option left. I’m disappointed not to have been able to help the team for the last 6 months and obviously missing 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 moment is particularly cruel for De Ligt, who has yet to play a minute under Michael Carrick.
Speaking on 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 all options, to get back to doing what I love, playing football. I am grateful to everyone who has supported me during a difficult period of my career. I remain as determined as ever to represent Manchester United and play in front of our incredible fans as soon as possible.”
A long road to recovery
The Dutch international only played 14 games this season before the injury occurred. Carrick had recently noted the unpredictable nature of back problems, explaining that while the player was improving, he was simply “not as quick as we all hope” and that the club would not gamble on his long-term health.
With 24 games already lost, attention is now fully focused on the 2026-27 season. De Ligt’s absence leaves United with Lisandro MartÃnez, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro to face the final games of the season, as the club continues to wait for their big-money defensive signing to return to full fitness.
