Louis van Gaal excludes Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek from provisional World Cup squad; Tyrell Malacia makes the cut
Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek has been excluded from the Netherlands’ provisional World Cup squad. Louis van Gaal has picked his initial 39-man squad, which includes Tyrell Malacia, via Manchester Evening News.
The former Ajax midfielder has not been called up to his national side since March 2021. Consequently, the 25-year-old also missed Holland’s Euro 2020 tournament.
Not being called up to represent the Oranje in Qatar marks another blow for Van de Beek. The Dutch national has seen his career decline since his move to Old Trafford in the summer of 2020.
In Amsterdam, the 25-year-old was one of the pivotal players during Erik ten Hag’s time at the Eredivisie outfit. However, since his move to Manchester, he has been reduced to a bit-part role.
In the Holland international’s debut campaign under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the midfielder was given scarce opportunities. However, his game time dried up in the last few years.
The 2021/22 campaign saw Van de Beek start zero games for the Red Devils in the Premier League. Subsequently, the 25-year-old left for Everton on loan in January. However, an injury hampered his time at Goodison Park.
With the arrival of Ten Hag at United, fans hoped the Holland international would be able to revive his career. Unfortunately, fitness issues have hindered his season once again.
Van de Beek has 19 caps for the Netherlands. The midfielder made his debut in 2017 for the Oranje. On the other hand, the 25-year-old’s compatriot Malacia has made a place for himself in Van Gaal’s plans.
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Hopefully, Van de Beek is able to use the mid-season break to regain some fitness and go into the second half of the campaign with more confidence for the Red Devils.
