Donny van de Beek has revealed that he has undergone surgery on the knee injury that he picked up in Manchester United's Premier League clash with Bournemouth earlier this month.
Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag said on Friday afternoon that the Netherlands international would miss the remainder of the season recovering from the problem that he suffered on January 3.
"I think it is quite positive news," Ten Hag told reporters ahead of Saturday's Manchester derby with Manchester City at Old Trafford.
"Of course, the bad news is he is out for the rest of the season, but the good news is, in the long term, his knee will be okay and he will be ready again to play at the highest levels and will be ready for the start of pre-season."
Ten Hag did not state that Van de Beek had undergone an operation, but the midfielder confirmed that was the case, taking to social media on Friday to comment on the "successful surgery".
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"I am really disappointed that the season is over for me," he wrote on Twitter. "After successful surgery, it's time to start my recovery process and [I] will do everything to come back stronger for this club.
"Thank you all for the lovely messages, they mean a lot to me and my family."
The 25-year-old made the move to Old Trafford from Ajax in September 2020, and he has represented the club on 60 occasions in all competitions, contributing two goals and two assists in the process.
Van de Beek finished last season on loan at Everton, but he returned to Man United over the summer, reuniting with his former Ajax boss Ten Hag at Old Trafford.
The midfielder has again found it difficult to make his mark this season, though, and his struggles for action saw him miss out on a spot in the Netherlands squad for the 2022 World Cup.
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Van de Beek had featured in four of Man United's five league matches before his injury, though, with Ten Hag seemingly planning to use him regularly during a busy run of games.
The Dutchman will now be bidding to return in time for the start of pre-season ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, which Man United will hope will include Champions League football.
As well as Van de Beek, Jadon Sancho, Axel Tuanzebe and Diogo Dalot are currently on the sidelines for the 20-time English champions.
Anthony Martial is also a doubt for Saturday afternoon's Manchester derby, with Ten Hag set to make a late decision on the Frenchman's involvement due to a minor leg injury.
Man United are currently fourth in the Premier League table, four points behind second-placed Man City, who will enter the match off the back of a 2-0 loss to Southampton in the EFL Cup.
Matt Law
