Donny van de Beek was not named as part of the travelling squad for the first Manchester United pre-season game.
In the context of his knee injury suffered in January, perhaps it wasn’t surprising. Yet for weeks, United have been insisting Donny van de Beek would be back for pre-season.
The MEN reported claimed that Van de Beek is following an individual training programme despite training in full with the first team earlier in the week.
Perhaps this is just a case of the Dutchman having to wait another week or two before being approved to play games – but by then, he may already have missed his last chance.
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Donny van de Beek situation ‘seems hopeless’
There are only two senior midfielders in the squad today to face Leeds, new signing Mason Mount and Fred, who is up for sale, report The Telegraph.
International players are set to return to Carrington later this week, with Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay all due to leap ahead of Van de Beek in the queue.
And perhaps a couple of youngsters will stake their claims today. Kobbie Mainoo is expected to shine, while Isak Hansen-Aaroen is another who could stake a claim. He started ahead of Van de Beek in a friendly in Spain after the midfielder suffered an injury relapse in December.
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The situation sums up Van de Beek’s woefully spell at Manchester United in which he has started only six Premier League games for the Red Devils in three years.
Dutch outlet FC Update reported his omission from the pre-season match, writing: “Donny van de Beek’s future at Manchester United seems hopeless.”
Ajax Showtime also noted that Van de Beek had been ‘left at home’, and believe it will impact his plans, noting, “While his teammates are staying in Norway, Van de Beek can continue his search for a new employer.”
Exit link 24 hours earlier
Just 24 hours earlier Donny van de Beek had been linked with exploring his options for a summer transfer.
90Min linked him with a variety of clubs including Celtic, Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and former club Ajax.