£40m Man United flop sold for next to nothing is having an even worse time at his new club

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One player sold by Manchester United in a bargain deal is enduring a nightmare at his new club.

United have been ruthless with cutting the dead wood from Ruben Amorim’s squad, including those put in United’s ‘bomb squad’, as they look to improve the club’s finances.

Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Antony were all shipped out, either on loan or for a cut-price fee, while another big first-team clear-out could take place next summer.

For some, escaping Old Trafford has breathed new life into their career. However, others are not so lucky, as one former Manchester United flop offloaded last year cruelly discovered this week.

Donny van de Beek’s injury nightmare at Girona

Donny van de Beek departed United permanently in July 2024 after a grim four-year spell, despite arriving with a glowing reputation from an all-conquering Ajax side in 2020.

Right from the off, he was given the tough ask of competing with Bruno Fernandes for a spot in the starting XI, and slowly but surely, he dropped off the radar entirely.

Van de Beek was sent out on loan to Everton and Eintracht Frankfurt before returning, and was eventually allowed to join Girona in LaLiga in a deal worth an initial £500,000.

Van de Beek would have been hopeful of finally playing regular football, but after finding his feet somewhat last season, he picked up an injury which saw him miss the rest of the campaign.

He then marked his comeback against Celta Vigo earlier this month before playing against Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday, only for disaster to strike once again.

The Dutchman pulled up in agony after suffering an apparent Achilles issue, and Girona boss Michel admitted “it looks bad”. Sources have told Mundo Deportivo that the injury is “serious”.

Are Man United to blame for Donny van de Beek’s issues?

It was another horrible twist of fate for a player who wants to find his rhythm and love of the game again.

However, Van de Beek believes Man United are partly responsible for his niggly fitness issues.

He told SPORTbible: “It’s difficult to build rhythm and confidence when you’re constantly being sidelined.

“It’s hard to be at your best when you’re in and out of the team, and I think when you’re not playing regularly.

“Your body isn’t used to the intensity and you become more prone to injuries. The lack of consistent minutes didn’t help either.”