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Former Manchester United Donny van de Beek has opened up on his disappointing stint at Old Trafford. The Dutchman joined Girona earlier this summer after a four-year stint with the Red Devils.
United signed Van de Beek for €39 million in 2020 after his brilliant performances for Ajax. However, they never saw that side of the Dutch midfielder as constant injuries and form issues restricted him to just 62 appearances for the club. He spent time out on loan for six months at Everton in January 2022.
He returned to Manchester United that summer but was again sent on a six-month loan to Eintracht Frankfurt in the second half of last season. Girona have now signed him for an initial reported fee of just €500,000.
He recently reflected on his time at Old Trafford in an interview with ESPN, saying (via Football Transfers):
“I try to enjoy myself again and I do that. It [Girona] is a beautiful club with good football, and I think I can help with that and I am working hard on that. It is clear that nothing came of it for either party [Manchester United].
"That is in the past, but not a single bad word about that club. Of course, I didn’t play a lot, but I did learn a lot. There were good players around me and good people within the club. I will take those things with me into the future.”
Van de Beek has provided one assist in his nine minutes of action for Girona so far this season.
Manchester United secure a crucial win over Southampton
The Red Devils started their 2024-25 season with a Community Shield defeat against rivals Manchester City. They then beat Fulham 1-0 at home in the Premier League before losing 2-1 against Brighton & Hove Albion away. They also lost 3-0 at home against rivals Liverpool before the international break.
Hence, Manchester United needed to break a run of two defeats when they visited St. Mary's Stadium to face Southampton on Saturday, September 14. They started off poorly as the hosts created multiple chances and Diogo Dalot conceded a penalty in the 30th minute. However, Andre Onana saves Cameron Archer's penalty, which changed the flow of the game.
Manchester United got back into the game and scored five minutes later through Matthijs de Ligt. Marcus Rashford added another in the 41st minute. Southampton's Jack Stephens was sent off in the 79th minute for a late tackle on Alejandro Garncho, who made it 3-0 in the 96th minute.
Erik ten Hag's side will next take on Barnsley in the EFL Cup third round at Old Trafford on Tuesday, September 17.
