Van de Beek forced to pull out of Man Utd’s starting XI against Real Betis just moments before kick-off
DONNY VAN DE BEEK was replaced in the Manchester United starting XI moments ahead of their friendly against Real Betis.
United are facing off against the La Liga side in their second World Cup friendly as they gear up the return of Premier League football.
However, after initially naming the Dutchman in their starting XI, he was replaced minutes before kick-off by youngster Isak Hansen-Aaroen.
Van de Beek has struggled for form since joining United from Ajax, but after returning from injury earlier this season managed a string of starts before the World Cup got underway.
The 25-year-old was in action during the club’s first friendly in Spain as United lost 4-2 to Cadiz.
But United fans were not impressed with the line up selected by Erik ten Hag ahead of the Betis clash despite naming a team with a number of senior stars included.
As of yet, the reason for the change is unknown.
Red Devil’s fans will be hoping the absence is not down to injury after seeing Diogo Dalot go off against Morocco in Portugal’s World Cup quarter-final.
Dalot and Bruno Fernandes suffered World Cup heartbreak as the 2016 European Champions crashed out after losing 1-0 to the North Africans.
With their victory Morocco have become the first African or Arab nation to make it to the semi-final of the World Cup.
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Former Man United ace Cristiano Ronaldo went down the tunnel in tears after seeing his World Cup dream end in defeat.
Ronaldo started on the bench once again ahead of the quarter-final after the 37-year-old was benched for the 6-1 victory over Switzerland.