The 26-year-old went under the knife to finally resolve the back problem that has kept him sidelined at Old Trafford for the past six months.
United confirmed the ‘corrective procedure’ after a failed attempt to return to training following rehabilitation efforts on the grass last month.
De Ligt took to Instagram to post a photo in a hospital bed with a thumb up alongside the caption: "After six 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 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’s surgery also means that he won’t be included in Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands squad for this summer’s World Cup.