Van de Beek's week goes from bad to worse after Netherlands blow

Martin Macdonald

Updated: 17 Sep 2021 09:08 CDT
5 min read

Donny van de Beek, Manchester United, 2020/21 — © ProShots

Donny van de Beek's season took another negative turn on Friday after it was announced that he would not be part of the Netherlands squad for upcoming internationals in October.

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Next month the Netherlands will face Gibraltar and Latvia, with manager Louis van Gaal naming a provisional 28-man squad for those fixtures, with Van de Beek failing to make the cut after barely featuring for Manchester United this season.

The Red Devils have played five matches so far in the 2021/22 campaign, and Van de Beek has featured for just 46 minutes.

On Tuesday he was given the opportunity to impress with a starting berth in the Champions League against Young Boys.

However, he would only last until half-time before being substituted as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer changed formation following the dismissal of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Van de Beek was by no means terrible against the Swiss outfit, but his lack of impact on the game made him the prime candidate to be taken off as United went to a back five to protect their 1-0 lead.

Eventually, with the Dutchman sitting on the bench, Man Utd conceded two second half goals to lose 2-1.

Though Van de Beek would have wanted the whole 90 minutes to try and impress, the red card meant ultimately meant another opportunity was taken away as he tries desperately to show he can start more matches.

Van Gaal spoke last month about how the player's lack of minutes would impact his selection for the Oranje, saying:

"I called Donny van de Beek yesterday. I told him that he needs to start playing games.

"I did not speak with any manager of my players. Maybe it’s logical to talk with them, but I haven’t done it.

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A post shared by Donny van de Beek (@donnyvdbeek)

“I spoke [with Van de Beek] last night for 45 minutes, but I am not going to tell you anything. This is between Donny and me. I am capable of advising players."

Van de Beek signed for Man Utd for €40 million last season but was used sparingly, only starting 15 matches in all competitions.

Who has made the Netherlands squad?

Goalkeepers: Justin Bijlow, Tim Krul, Joel Drommel, Mark Flekken

Defenders: Nathan Ake, Daley Blind, Denzel Dumfries, Virgil van Dijk, Stefan de Vrij, Matthijs de Ligt, Tyrell Malacia, Jurrien Timber, Devyne Rensch

Midfielders: Georginio Wijnaldum, Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch, Teun Koopmeiners, Marten de Roon, Guus Til, Davy Klaassen

Forwards: Memphis Depay, Wout Weghorst, Donyell Malen, Steven Bergwijn, Steven Berghuis, Luuk de Jong, Cody Gakpo, Noa Lang

Read more about: World Cup Qualification Europe World Cup Premier League Man United Netherlands Aaron Wan-Bissaka Cody Gakpo Daley Blind Davy Klaassen Denzel Dumfries Devyne Donny van de Beek Donyell Malen Frenkie de Jong Georginio Wijnaldum Joël Drommel Jurrien Timber Luuk de Jong Marten de Roon Matthijs de Ligt Memphis Depay Nathan Aké Noa Lang Ryan Gravenberch Stefan de Vrij Steven Berghuis Steven Bergwijn Teun Koopmeiners Tyrell Malacia Virgil van Dijk Wout Weghorst