The tone-deafness of footballers never ceases to amaze. The Dutch international gave the illusion that he had enjoyed himself in Ireland. His agent, Ali Dursun, commented with a love heart and fire emoji. Van de Beek, however, misfired.
In reality, he was the only player hooked at half-time. His replacement, Hannibal Mejbri, got up to speed with his prompt pressing and was responsible for Aitor Paredes's cynical red card in the 1-1 draw with Athletic Club.
Van de Beek has long resembled a Glyndebourne attendant who has turned up at Glastonbury by mistake. Games pass him by.
United are now in discussions to sell him to Real Sociedad.
The Dutchman's card was marked two years ago when he sought the apparent comfort zone of Everton on loan. Van de Beek was mismanaged by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
A colleague once approached his then agent Guido Albers for clarification on whether his client, Ronald Koeman, had accepted the Everton manager's job. It was news to Albers.
Koeman had switched agencies and they negotiated with Everton.
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