Man United star Matthijs de Ligt to miss World Cup after undergoing back surgery | OneFootball

Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt has undergone surgery to finally resolve a back issue that has kept him sidelined for six months, ending his season and World Cup ambitions.

The 26-year-old made a strong start to what quickly turned into a nightmare campaign, having been unable to feature since a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace in late November.

United confirmed he has undergone a "corrective procedure" after failing to return to competitive action following rehabilitation efforts on the grass last month.

The club stated that the Netherlands international will begin "a new phase of his recovery" and expects him back for United in the early stages of the 2026-27 season.

De Ligt posted a photo in a hospital bed with a thumb up alongside an Instagram caption: "After six months of treatment and working hard to get back, surgery was the only option left.

De Ligt is yet to play under Michael Carrick (Owen Humphreys/PA) (PA Wire)

“I’m disappointed I couldn’t help the team the last six 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."

De Ligt joined United from Bayern Munich in August 2024 and made 42 appearances across all competitions in his maiden season at Old Trafford.

However, he has been limited to just 14 outings this term, and it has now been confirmed he will not be adding to that tally.

The news of his surgery also means he will not be able to represent the Netherlands at the World Cup this summer.

De Ligt has 52 international caps and has been in the Netherlands squad at the last three major tournaments, although he was an unused substitute throughout Euro 2024.

His absence is still a blow for the Netherlands, though, as he could have been a contender to play alongside captain Virgil van Dijk in the Dutch backline.

The Netherlands are due to begin their World Cup campaign against Japan on 14 June, before facing Sweden six days later.

Ronald Koeman’s side will finish their group stage campaign by taking on Tunisia in Kansas City on 25 June.