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.
This story is from the August 08, 2023 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 08, 2023 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Eriksen confirms no talks with Reds over new contract
CHRISTIAN Eriksen has confirmed he has not held talks with United over a new deal.
ONE OF CLUB'S BEST SIGNINGS
ONE of the best signings of the City era is leaving.
SALE SET PACE FOR DERBY WIN
SALE'S league-leading set piece earned them a ruthless 43-10 win over Newcastle Falcons in the Northern derby.
PM keen to harness identities of regions
THE Council of the Nations and Regions has moved the UK \"a long way down the road\" towards more jobs and investment, the Prime Minister has said.
Peacekeepers hit again
THE United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon has said new explosions hit its headquarters yesterday morning, injuring two peacekeepers, a day after Israeli forces struck the same position.
Life for killer who hid her dead parents
AN \"INTELLIGENT manipulator\" who murdered her parents then lived alongside their bodies for four years while spending their money has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 36 years.
No cash to fix 'decrepit' Strangeways
PRISON GOVERNORS' ASSOCIATION SAYS JAIL STAFF NEED 'MASSIVE INVESTMENT' TO TACKLE FAILING INFRASTRUCTURE AND ORGANISED CRIME GROUPS
First new buzz route restores missing link
BUSES between Wigan and the Trafford Centre will double to run every 30 minutes instead of an hour later this month, it's been revealed.
Council's £200k winter fuel boost for pensioners
THE creation of a new fund of £200,000 to support local pensioners hit by the winter fuel payment cuts has been passed by Bolton council.
Rivals rubbish £45 charge for collecting garden waste
PLANS SLAMMED AS 'TAX ON POOR AND VULNERABLE'
