Donny van de Beek looks set to leave Manchester United this summer after a rather unsuccessful three years in the North West of England.
The Dutch midfielder, who joined from Ajax back in the COVID-affected summer of 2020, looks set to leave the club with Real Sociedad in talks over a permanent deal for the midfielder.
It’s been a rather bizarre time in Manchester for Van de Beek and the Dutchman, unfortunately, represents one of the last pieces of an unsuccessful transfer strategy under Ed Woodward and co.
The midfielder, who was one of the key components of Erik ten Hag’s Ajax run to the Champions League semi-final, leaves behind a legacy of disappointment and ultimately chances missed.
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An unfortunate position
When United brought in Van de Beek, he was brought in under the pretence he would be back up to Bruno Fernandes, but the club forgot one thing – the Portuguese very rarely gets injured.
There has been a wonder whether the Dutchman could be deployed in one of the two pivot roles, this has been mainly peddled by the United fanbase.
Van de Beek, however, doesn’t have the defensive capabilities and ultimately does better in the attacking midfield role, one that will always be filled by Fernandes.
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Youngsters preferred
It was perhaps a sad indictment of Van de Beek’s time in Manchester that the Dutchman was hauled off at half-time and replaced by youngster Hannibal Mejbri.
It was a quiet 45 minutes for Van de Beek, which perhaps sums up his time in England and his replacement, Mejrbi, was bright and offered something different in midfield.
Van de Beek was always too nice, never one to be aggressive in the tackle or, like Fernandes, one to try and force an opening.
The 24-year-old may well be another victim of circumstance, perhaps similar to Jadon Sancho, with United failing to commit to him fully after signing him, and offer him a regular starting spot.
Both players are clearly superb talents, but the manager chaos and the lack of confidence have meant their United careers never failed to kick on and Van de Beek is another victim of the endless examples of United transfer failures.