Overview
- Manchester United confirmed Friday the Netherlands defender had successful back surgery after months of rehabilitation, ending his 2025-26 season.
- The club said he begins a new recovery phase and is expected to return for United in the early stages of the 2026-27 season.
- De Ligt has not played since a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace on November 30, after brief individual grass sessions in late April did not lead to a comeback.
- The operation also rules him out of the World Cup in North America, with Ronald Koeman set to name the Netherlands squad on May 25.
- His absence leaves Michael Carrick relying on Lisandro Martínez, Harry Maguire and depth options such as Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, and local reports suggest United could review centre-back cover in the summer.