Maguire pokes fun at van de Beek after Dutchman takes armband

Donny van de Beek took the captain’s armband for Manchester United last night during their friendly against Brentford.

In the absence of club captain Harry Maguire – who has been on a break after Euro 2020 – the Dutchman was given the armband during a brief substitute appearance for United’s first home friendly of pre-season.

The two sides played out a highly entertaining 2-2 draw. Anthony Elanga and Andreas Pereira were on the scoresheet for United, with Shandon Baptiste and Bryan Mbuemo scoring for Brentford.

Nemanja Matic captained the Red Devils for the first 76 minutes, before being substituted.

One of three subs to enter the fray was van de Beek, who was making his first appearance since missing the Netherlands’ Euros campaign through injury.

United posted an image on Instagram showing the Dutch midfielder wearing the captain’s armband.

He was, however, given a tongue-in-cheek warning from Maguire.

The centre-back replied to the post: “Don’t stretch that armband @donnyvdbeek”.

Van de Beek endured a difficult start to life at Old Trafford after his move from Ajax for £35m last summer.

He made just 19 appearances in the Premier League, with most of those coming from the bench.

The 24-year-old also missed the European Championships due to injury.

Manchester Evening News reported last week that the midfielder wants to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his place.

And with van de Beek now recovered from a groin injury that caused him problems at the end of last season, this campaign could be the one that sees him establish himself as a key part of United’s midfield.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side conclude their pre-season campaign against Preston North End (July 31) and Everton (August 7).

They then kick off the 2021/22 Premier League campaign against Leeds United at Old Trafford.

Featured Image Credit: Getty