Antonio Valencia underwent an operation on a foot injury he suffered in last month’s derby against Manchester City.
The 30-year-old posted a picture on social media from his hospital bed to say the surgery had gone well and he will now start a rehabilitation process
However, United’s Ecuadorian international faces a five month absence before he can return to Louis van Gaal’s squad.
Valencia had just ousted summer arrival Matteo Darmian as Louis van Gaal’s first-choice right-back but the Italian now faces competition from makeshift defender Ashley Young.
In Valencia’s absence, both Darmian and Young have started two games apiece at right-back as Van Gaal’s Red Devils continue to boast the best defensive record in the Premier League.
Saturday’s 2-0 win over West Brom was enough to see United close to within two points of the top of the table heading into the international break.
Valencia joins fellow full-back Luke Shaw on the injured list, with the England international sidelined for the coming months after suffering a double leg-break during United’s 2-1 Champions League defeat at PSV Eindhoven in September.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate