Donny van de Beek misses out on spot in Netherlands’ 39-man provisional World Cup squad

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Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek has not been named in Netherlands’ 39-man provisional World Cup squad.

Oranje boss Louis van Gaal has opted against calling-up the 25-year-old despite picking an extended provisional squad.

World Cup managers can select up to 26 players for the showpiece in Qatar which kicks off in 28 days time, so former United manager Van Gaal will have to cut 13 players from his provisional squad.

United left-back Tyrell Malacia has been named in the provisional Netherlands squad and head coach Van Gaal will announce his final World Cup squad on 11 November.

Donny van de Beek misses out on spot in Netherlands’ 39-man provisional World Cup squad

Van de Beek’s omission doesn’t come as a shock given his lack of action at Old Trafford and the fact he hasn’t featured for his country for over 18 months.

Van Gaal has made it clear during his tenure that his national team players need to be playing frequently for their clubs in order to be considered for selection.

United’s number 34 hasn’t featured for the Red Devils since coming on in the latter stages of our 2-1 win against Liverpool at the Theatre of Dreams, at the end of August.

Despite his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag taking the reins at Old Trafford, Van de Beek’s chances of breaking into the starting line-up with the twenty-time league champions arguably look bleaker than ever.

Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen look to be Ten Hag’s first choice midfield trio with Scott McTominay and Fred providing competition, cover and depth.

In the time that Van de Beek has been out injured for the Reds, youngsters Zidane Iqbal and Kobbie Mainoo have featured on the bench for the first team.

Van de Beek’s name not being included in the Netherlands squad doesn’t come as a surprise, but for the man who was once one of the most coveted and highly sought-after midfielders on the continent, it’s yet another blow and setback.

Unfortunately for the 19-time Netherlands international, his career trajectory has taken several backwards steps since making his £35m move from Amsterdam to M16.