Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has acknowledged the potential benefit for Donny van de Beek to seek more playing time elsewhere. Despite scoring on his United debut in 2020, the midfielder has struggled to secure a regular spot in the team, with only 21 minutes of action across all competitions this season.
Even with the reunion between Van de Beek and his former Ajax coach, Ten Hag seems unwilling to impede the midfielder’s desire for more playing opportunities.
“I can see he has to play for his career and for everything,” stated the United boss.
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Van de Beek, expressing his eagerness for regular game time, had publicly declared his need to make a choice, emphasizing that his motivation goes beyond financial considerations.
“I have to start playing matches very soon, if not at Manchester United, then at another club,” he conveyed to De Telegraaf. “I think this is a healthy ambition. I’ve always been an enthusiast. I’m absolutely crazy about football. I earn a good living at Manchester United, but money has never been my motivation. I want to enjoy my work every day.”
“Last season I was sidelined for months due to my knee injury. You miss it terribly and appreciate even more that you have a wonderful profession. I am at a legendary club and I am still proud every day to wear the Manchester United shirt. But I’m bursting with energy now that I’m in great shape again and I’m training like crazy. Then the moment comes when you have to make a choice.
“I’m excited to play matches again. The manager now makes different choices. We have a great selection and I’m not the only one knocking on the door. We’ll see what happens in January.”
Under Ten Hag at Ajax, Van de Beek became one of the best emerging young midfielders in Europe. The Dutchman played a key role in Ajax getting to within a kick of the 2019 Champions League final and was later nominated for that year’s Ballon d’Or as a result of his performances.
Real Madrid were linked with his signature as an alternative to long-term target Paul Pogba, but Van de Beek wound up joining Manchester United in a £40m deal in the summer of 2020. He then started only four Premier League games in his debut season and chances only reduced from then on.
Van de Beek was exploring options to leave, with discussions taking place with a number of European clubs – including casual enquiries from AC Milan, Inter and Roma. OGC Nice, Celtic and even Ajax were other possibilities, but nothing was agreed.