Manchester United centre-back Matthijs de Ligt has confirmed that his season and World Cup ambitions have ended following surgery on a recurring back problem. The Dutch international, who has been out of action since November, had recently resumed light training but ultimately needed an operation to fix the lingering issue.

Manchester United have officially announced that De Ligt underwent a corrective procedure to treat a long-term back injury. The 26-year-old has not featured for the Red Devils since late autumn and will now enter a lengthy recovery phase, ruling him out of the upcoming World Cup in North America.

In a statement, the club explained that the decision was made after extensive rehabilitation efforts failed to deliver the expected progress. United’s statement read: “Matthijs de Ligt has undergone successful surgery to address a back injury. Having diligently worked throughout his rehabilitation process, the decision was made that a corrective procedure was the best course of action.”

The former Bayern Munich defender expressed his emotions in a personal message to supporters, sharing a picture from his hospital bed. After returning to light training in April, De Ligt admitted that surgery had become the only practical solution following months of frustration and setbacks.

Posting on Instagram, De Ligt wrote: “After 6 months of treatment and working hard to get back, surgery was the only option left. I’m disappointed I couldn’t help the team the last 6 months and obviously missing out on the World Cup but I am looking forward to doing everything to get back in front of the fans and feeling better again.”

The timing has been particularly harsh for De Ligt, who has yet to play a single minute under interim manager Michael Carrick. Carrick had previously expressed optimism that the Dutch defender might return before the end of the Premier League season, but he also cautioned that the player’s recovery would not be rushed.

Speaking to Manchester United’s official website about his commitment 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 a difficult period in my career. I remain as determined as ever to represent Manchester United and play in front of our incredible supporters as soon as possible.”

The Netherlands international managed just 14 appearances this season before the injury sidelined him. Carrick recently acknowledged the unpredictable nature of back injuries, noting that while De Ligt was showing signs of progress, recovery was “not as quick as we all hope” and that the club would not take risks with his long-term fitness.

Having already missed 24 matches, attention now turns to preparing De Ligt for the 2026–27 campaign. His absence leaves Manchester United relying on Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven, and Leny Yoro to cover the remaining fixtures, as the club continues to await the return of their high-profile defensive signing to full strength.