Holland 1-1 Spain: Donny van de Beek sends message to Man United with goal

Donny van de Beek will not know for sure but after scoring a crucial equaliser in Amsterdam against Spain on Wednesday, he will hope a watching Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had some food for thought. 

Van de Beek struck minutes into the second half to cancel out Sergio Caneles’ fizzing strike in what was a pulsating friendly. 

United parted with £40million this summer to land Van de Beek from Ajax and yet opportunities have been fleeting, many have had to come from the bench. But here he was to play a leading role, his strike a firm effort on the half-volley having escaped clear of his marker at the back post. 

Donny van de Beek (right) put in an impressive display as his goal proved vital against Spain

Minutes into the second half the Manchester United midfielder fired home on the half-volley

Sergio Canales had earlier given Spain a deserved lead with a low finish into the bottom corner

Spain were good value for Canales’ strike but a resilient Holland fought back in Amsterdam

While Van de Beek was the positive to emerge from the evening, there will be concern for United’s rivals Manchester City after defender Nathan Ake hobbled off clutching his hamstring inside six minutes. 

The 25-year-old collapsed to the turf before clutching the back of his right leg and it arrives as the latest injury setback for City boss Pep Guardiola. 

City have already seen fellow defenders Aymeric Laporte and Benjamin Mendy suffered injury problems this term.  

Spain’s goal was welcome relief but they struggled to create meaningful chances thereafter

An injury concern for Holland and Manchester City saw Nathan Ake (middle) hobble off

Things started much brighter for Spain. 

Real Betis’ Canales…