Erik ten Hag’s comments hint at a message directly to Donny van de Beek to leave Manchester United in January.
Donny van de Beek’s career hasn’t panned out as planned since making his £40 million move from Ajax. The midfielder came to Manchester United with a big reputation for his performances for the Eredivisie giants in the league and Europe.
He did start his time at Old Trafford rather brightly but took no time to drop his performances. He has since become a forgotten figure, as a loan deal to Everton in between did not motivate him to become better.
Despite knowing the player well from their time together at Ajax, Erik ten Hag doesn’t seem convinced by his presence. The manager has preferred other options in the middle of the park, although the Van de Beek has made himself absent with an injury since the start of the campaign.
Real Sociedad wanted him in the summer, but the two clubs could not reach an agreement. The Spanish side are once again keen but faces competition from others like Galatasaray for the midfielder.
Juventus are also reportedly lining up a move for him alongside Jadon Sancho, as no club would pay a fee for the midfielder at the moment. Manchester United may have to accept a loan deal to get rid of the 26-year-old and hope he performs well to retain some value in the market.
Ten Hag’s recent comments that appeared on Football Transfers hint that Van de Beek will leave the club as soon as possible. The manager insisted a player of his quality ‘has to play,’ but there’s no chance of that happening at Manchester United.
Ten Hag said, “I think Donny has to pla.” “In games he was in the squad, so he had the opportunity.”
“It was a slow start to the season because he was still recovering from physical setbacks. But he is back now and he is doing really well in training, so if you can’t give him perspective then I can see he has to play for his career and for everything.”
Van De Beek has had an impasse from playing since joining Manchester United. Whether clubs are willing to place their trust in his talents at Ajax remains the question. Reports are suggesting Newcastle United might show an interest in signing him, but the Magpies might look at other options over the Dutchman.
As things stand, Ten Hag does not fancy playing the 26-year-old in his squad, and those comments above certainly tell a story about how much he rates him. As the manager hinted, the midfielder should find a new project as soon as possible and resurrect his career elsewhere.
