Donny van de Beek, the Manchester United midfielder, has expressed uncertainty about his future at the club following a challenging period since his arrival in September 2020. Van de Beek, who recently returned from a six-month injury layoff, scored the winning goal in United’s 1-0 victory over Lyon in a pre-season match at Murrayfield. Reflecting on his situation, the Dutchman acknowledged that he is unsure about what lies ahead and acknowledged the possibility of a potential move.
The 24-year-old’s right-footed volley showcased his technical ability and marked a significant moment for him personally, given his lengthy absence from the pitch. Van de Beek emphasized his enjoyment of the game and his gratitude for being able to contribute once again. He also welcomed the imminent arrival of his former Ajax teammate Andre Onana, praising the goalkeeper’s skills and character.
United’s friendly against Lyon highlighted the need for a new striker, as the absence of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial resulted in a makeshift forward line. Jadon Sancho played in a central role, supported by Antony and Amad Diallo in a front three. Although the trio showed promise in the early stages, they lacked a clinical touch, squandering several scoring opportunities.
In the second half, United made wholesale changes to the team, with Jonny Evans making his second debut for the club and Fred taking over the captain’s armband from Raphael Varane. The closest United came to extending their lead was through 18-year-old Isak Hansen-Aaroen, whose curling effort was expertly saved by Lyon’s goalkeeper.
United’s squad is set to embark on their US tour, commencing with a match against Arsenal in New Jersey. Despite speculation surrounding his future, Harry Maguire has been included in the squad. Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana is expected to join the team following the completion of his transfer from Inter Milan. Midfielder Fred, however, will remain in the UK temporarily to address a personal matter before rejoining the squad during the tour.
The upcoming matches in the US will provide an opportunity for United to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the new season. As van de Beek continues to contemplate his future, his performance against Lyon and his desire to make an impact suggest that he remains committed to contributing to the team’s success, whether it be at Old Trafford or elsewhere.
