Manchester United’s Donny Van De Beek’s nightmarish season continues, with the Dutchman being ruled out of the 2020 UEFA Euro due to an injury. However, the Netherlands won’t call up a replacement to replace the injured 24-year-old.
Van De Beek endured a difficult season domestically, as he was reduced to a bench player by United head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The midfielder had signed for the Red Devils in summer 2020 but could not force his way into the first team in place of Scott McTominay or Fred. His nightmare continues, with the Dutchman now ruled out of the 2020 UEFA Euro.
The Netherlands are unlikely to call up a replacement, despite the squad limit being increased to 26. KNVB confirmed in a statement that the team won’t replace him:
“Donny van de Beek has to let the European championship pass by. The Manchester United midfielder is struggling with an injury.
“As a result, the 19-time international, who last played minutes in Orange in March during Gibraltar – Netherlands (0-7), is not available in time for the European Championship. National coach Frank de Boer does not call for a replacement for Van de Beek.”
The Netherlands have been left short in the midfield department as a result. Frank De Boer currently has only six natural central midfielders at his disposal – Georginio Wijnaldum, Davy Klaassen, Marten De Roon, Frenkie De Jong, Ryan Gravenberch, and Teun Koopmeiners. The head coach has deployed a 5-3-2 formation in recent games, which means that three of the six midfielders are expected to start each match.
The Dutchmen will face Ukraine (June 13) in their opening match of the Euro 2020, before facing off against Austria (June 17). Minnows North Macedonia (June 21) will be their third – and final – task of the group before the knockout stages begin. They will be looking to make amends in this edition of the tournament after missing out on the last two major international competitions – the 2016 Euro and the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
