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Are you looking, Ole? Donny van de Beek sends a strong message to Man United manager Solskjaer as the midfielder plays a leading role in Amsterdam to cancel Sergio Canales’ first game
- Donny van de Beek scored in successive Netherlands matches when they drew with Spain
- The Dutchman will hope that his boss at Manchester United is following the game
- Van de Beek has found limited opportunities since joining the Premier League
- His goal, early in the second half, annulled a good first goal by Sergio Canales
Donny van de Beek won’t know for sure, but after scoring a crucial draw in Amsterdam against Spain on Wednesday, he’ll hope that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has something to think about.
Van de Beek scored within minutes of the second half to cancel Sergio Caneles’ shot in a throbbing friendly.
United said goodbye to £ 40m this summer to get Van de Beek from Ajax and yet the opportunities have been fleeting, many having had to come from the bank. But here he was going to play a leading role, his blow, a firm effort in the half volley, had escaped his marker at the back post.
Donny van de Beek (right) made an impressive display as his goal proved vital against Spain
Minutes into the second half, the Manchester United midfielder shot home on the half volley
Sergio Canales had given Spain a deserved advantage with a low finish in the bottom corner
Spain had good value for Canales’s goal, but a tough Netherlands fought back in Amsterdam
While Van de Beek was the positive that emerged of the night, there will be concern for United rivals Manchester City after defender Nathan Ake limped on his hamstring in the sixth minute.
The 25-year-old collapsed on the grass before grabbing the back of his right leg and comes as the latest setback due to injury to City manager Pep Guardiola.
City have already seen fellow defenders Aymeric Laporte and Benjamin Mendy suffer injuries this season.
Spain’s goal was a welcome relief, but they struggled to create meaningful chances thereafter.
An injury concern for the Netherlands and Manchester City caused Nathan Ake (center) to limp
Things started much better for Spain.
Canales del Real Betis scored his first international goal in the 18th minute when Juventus forward Álvaro Morata slipped it and found the bottom corner from 16 meters.
Morata has seemed revived since returning to Juventus and once again impressed on this matter.
Van de Beek leveled immediately after the break when an Owen Wijndal cross crossed the area and passed Unai Simon.
Sergio Ramos entered the second half for Spain on his 176th international appearance, making him Europe’s most international along with Gianluigi Buffon.
When asked at the end about his team’s lack of power in attack, Spanish coach Luis Enrique said he “is not worried.”
“We had imbalances in the second half,” he said. “They have caused us problems.”
José Luis Gaya was an injury scare for Spain as he required stitches after a deep cut to his head.
“We will talk to the doctors,” Enrique added.
“We are always worried about a blow to the head.”
Gaya left and Enrique refused to cancel the possibility of making a replacement call for the next matches.
“We do not rule out calling another player, who has to have the PCR updated, or calling a player from the U21.
It represents the last injury blow for City boss Pep Guardiola when Ake grabbed his hamstring
Sergio Ramos entered the second half to become the European with the most international appearances
Frenkie de Jong had a rough night, but the Netherlands will be encouraged by their efforts overall
