Overview
- Manchester United said Friday the centre-back had a successful “corrective procedure” that ends his season and World Cup bid.
- The club expects him to return in the early stages of the 2026–27 season after he completes rehab.
- De Ligt has not played since November 30 against Crystal Palace, and a late-April return to individual grass work did not resolve his back issue.
- From a hospital-bed post, he said surgery was the only option left and voiced regret about missing the tournament before pledging to work back.
- His absence forces selection changes for club and country, with United leaning on Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro, and the Netherlands set to name their squad on May 25 without him.