Manchester United already have a Donny van de Beek replacement

Donny van de Beek's Instagram post read, "Last pre-season game! Thank you Dublin." It should also be his last game for Manchester United.

The tone-deafness of footballers never ceases to amaze. Van de Beek gave the illusion that he had enjoyed himself in Ireland. His agent, Ali Dursun, commented with a love heart and fire emoji. Van de Beek misfired.

In reality, he was the only player hooked at half-time. His replacement, Hannibal Mejbri, got up to speed with his prompt pressing and was responsible for Aitor Paredes's cynical red card.

Van de Beek has long resembled a Glyndebourne attendant who has turned up at Glastonbury by mistake. Games pass him by and United are in discussions to sell him to Real Sociedad.

Also read: Van de Beek in talks to leave as United focus on clearout

The Dutchman's card was marked two years ago when he sought the apparent comfort zone of Everton on loan. Van de Beek was mismanaged by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but also his agent at the time, Guido Albers.

A colleague once approached Albers for clarification on whether his client, Ronald Koeman, had accepted the Everton manager's job. It was news to Albers. Koeman had switched agencies and they negotiated with Everton.

While Van de Beek's United career is ending Mejbri's may just be starting. His debut was more than two years ago and there have been only two more appearances since. His human-wrecking ball cameo in the 4-0 thumping by Liverpool at Anfield in April 2022 could have ended prematurely, too.

Mejbri's last appearance for United - and sole start - was in Ralf Rangnick's final match as interim manager at Crystal Palace. His loan to Birmingham last season was logical and encouraging; United only arrange Championship loans for academy