Friday, 6 August 2021 at 15:32• Dominic Mostert

Donny van de Beek worked on his physique during the summer months. The midfielder has entered the weight room and makes a good impression on his fellow players and on coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during the preparation. During a question-and-answer session via the official club channels, Solskjaer insinuated that Van de Beek is now used to football in England and could be of value next season.

“He’s built up some muscle, yes. He was introduced to English football last season and made smart use of the summer months,” says Solskjaer. “You never know how players from abroad come in. Some take a year. For example, you can see how Fred has developed since his arrival.” Fred came over from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2018 and won a starting spot in his second season. “There are other players who immediately join in. It depends.”

Bruno Fernandes, competitor of Van de Beek in the position of attacking midfielder, has also noted that the Dutchman has developed physically. “Yes, he is doing well and working hard in the weight room. We know his qualities and now he is also getting stronger.” Last season, Van de Beek played in 36 official Manchester United matches, 19 of which were in competition. In total he was on the field for 1456 minutes.

Earlier this month wrote The Athletic already that Van de Beek returned ‘with hunger and fire’ after the summer. He wore the captain’s armband in the friendly match against Brentford (2-2) last Wednesday and then Harry Maguire reacted with a wink to a photo showing the midfielder. “Don’t stretch that band!” he wrote.