‘Welcome to the Premier League’: Manchester United’s Donny van de Beek sparks injury concerns

Midfielder posted a picture of his swollen ankle after United’s comeback against Southampton

(Instagram/@donnyvdbeek)

Donny van de Beek sparked concerns among Manchester United supporters after posting a picture of his swollen ankle on social media following the club’s 3-2 victory against Southampton. 

The Dutch midfielder was making his first Premier League start for the club since arriving from Ajax for £35m in the summer and was met with a number of heavy challenges as Edinson Cavani inspired United’s comeback.

After the match, Van de Beek posted a photo of his swollen ankle on Instagram with the caption: “Welcome to the Premier League.”

READ MORE: How Cavani showed hallmarks of United striking greats

United trailed by two goals at half time, with Jan Bednarek and James Warp-Prowse firing Southampton into the lead before Cavani came off the bench, assisting Bruno Fernandes and then scoring twice himself. 

Donny van de Beek posted a picture of his swollen ankle (Instagram/@donnyvdbeek)

Van de Beek has been forced to be patient since joining United, often seemingly competing with Fernandes for the No 10 role under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The victory was the first time the 23-year-old has completed 90 minutes for the club. 

United are are also managing concerns over the fitness of David De Gea ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League tie against PSG after the goalkeeper was substituted at half-time against Southampton. “Hopefully he will be ok for Wednesday but I'm not sure,” Solskjaer said afterwards, with the Spaniard set to undergo scans to confirm the extent of the damage.

De Gea was replaced by Dean Henderson, who has been given few opportunities to impress since returning from his loan spell at Sheffield United.

"Dean played well. He is a keeper who is used to being vocal," Solskjaer said. "He wants to organise his team. He didn't have big saves to make but he was safe with his hands."