Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek did not make the 26-man squad for the club’s pre-season training in Norway.
The 26-year-old will stay behind to keep training to reach full fitness ahead of the new season.
Van de Beek has been battling a knee injury he suffered on January 3. The Dutchman missed most of the second half of the season after Bournemouth star Marcos Senesi put in a nasty challenge on him.
The club announced the former Ajax man would miss the rest of the season a few days later.
Manager Erik ten Hag said Van de Beek would be back for the start of pre-season, but it seems the midfielder is still not ready.
Van de Beek’s time at Manchester has been profoundly disappointing. This latest decision to omit him from the pre-season trip only exacerbates his miserable situation.
Since he arrived at the club in 2020, he has struggled to get significant playing time. He could not establish himself under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Van de Beek went on loan to Everton last season. When he got his chance, he failed to make an impression.
After returning to United last summer, there seemed to be a glimmer of hope with the appointment of Ten Hag, his former boss from Ajax, as the new manager.
However, Ten Hag’s arrival did not change much. Ten Hag has barely used his former star.
Van de Beek will hope to get fit and secure another loan move away from Old Trafford. Getting game time will be paramount if he wants to return to his Eredivisie levels.
Manchester United’s 26-man squad for the trip to Norway
Goalkeepers: Tom Heaton, Nathan Bishop, Matej Kovar.
Defenders: Alvaro Fernandez, Rhys Bennett, Will Fish, Marc Jurado, Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Brandon Williams.
Midfielders: Toby Collyer, Fred, Dan Gore, Hannibal, Isak Hansen-Aaroen, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Maxi Oyedele, Charlie Savage.
Forwards: Amad, Noam Emeran, Omari Forson, Joe Hugill, Jadon Sancho, Shola Shoretire.
