Girona star struggles to describe Manchester United horror spell

Girona feel they took advantage of Manchester United’s desire to cash in on Donny van de Beek by signing him on the cheap, but I think most fans of the Reds were relieved to see his time at the club come to an end.

Not because they have an agenda against Van de Beek but it just didn’t work out for the Netherlands international at Old Trafford. He was an example of poor recruitment after failing to settle into the team at any point.

Of course, injuries took their toll on Van de Beek which is very misfortunate. A lot went against in him England and we wish him the best in Spain, where he’ll hopefully resurrect his career playing at a high level.

Girona completed a €500k deal to sign the former Ajax midfielder this summer, although the deal could rise to be €10-15m depending on bonuses.

Van de Beek has explained that joining a smaller club like Girona was a vastly different experience from playing for a giant like United or Ajax.

“Here, everyone is really close, they all know each other, this is quite different from what I’ve seen in the past. It’s nice to see how they all try to help and make you feel as if you were at home. They have the ambition to improve. I think all this helps me, too. The football part always has to be right, but this was also a very important element given the moment of my career. I have had some difficult times in recent years,” he told The Athletic during an exclusive interview.

Donny van de Beek lost for words after Manchester United spell

Van de Beek also struggled to describe his struggles at United, adding: “I think it’s difficult. I was there, so I know it’s not easy for the players. They are still very good players when you see them all. It’s not easy to see them in this situation. I know they can do it, but it is not easy with everyone, and for the players… I hope they can change this situation.”

He was then asked about it not coming down to the pressures that come with playing for a super club like United.

“Not really, I think pressure is everywhere. It’s not only United. In every big club, when I played in Ajax there was also pressure. That’s not a problem for the players, but yeah… I cannot tell you, I don’t know. It is weird. Like I said, they can do it. I am sure.”

He was pushed on it again, before responding: “I don’t know… I think it’s difficult. Should we move on to the next subject?”