Donny van de Beek's nightmare start to loan - despite role he wanted at Man Utd

27 January 2024 , 15:46

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Donny van de Beek's nightmare start to loan - despite role he wanted at Man Utd

Donny van de Beek endured a nightmare start to his loan spell at Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Manchester United misfit started for the German side against Mainz on Friday night, his first home game since his switch on loan to the Bundesliga side. But the Dutchman, on his second loan spell away from Old Trafford, following a disappointing stint at Everton two years ago, was substituted at half-time after an underwhelming display.

Despite starting the game, which ended in a 1-0 victory for Eintracht, Van de Beek struggled to make an impact. He only attempted eight passes and touched the ball just 14 times before being replaced by Fares Chaibi.

It was Van de Beek's third appearance in all since his switch at the beginning of January. His performance in those matches, both away from home, also saw the former Ajax man struggle; he barely lasted an hour in either, against RB Leipzig and Darmstadt respectively.

Van de Beek is looking to reinvigorate his stalling career in Germany, having failed to make any sustainable impression at United since his £40million move from Ajax in 2020.

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He has only managed to find the back of the net twice in 62 appearances for United and has largely had to play second fiddle to Bruno Fernandes.

Eintracht are covering most of Van de Beek's £125,000-a-week wages and have the option to make his move permanent for around £12million in the summer should they desire.

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Richard Fay