After scoring on his debut for Manchester United back in 2020, Van van Beek has struggled to establish himself in the squad ever since.
Despite reuniting with his former Ajax manager, Erik ten Hag, his situation hasn’t improved, and this season, the midfielder has only managed to clock 21 minutes of playing time across all competitions.
If Van de Beek decides to seek opportunities elsewhere, Ten Hag appears to be supportive of his decision.
The United manager remarked, “I can see that he needs to play for the sake of his career and everything else.”
Van van Beek recently expressed his desire to feature more regularly, acknowledging that despite the high salary at United, he now faces a crucial decision about his future.
“I need to start playing matches soon, whether it’s at Manchester United or another club,” he told De Telegraaf. “This is a noble objective for me. Football has always been my passion.
While I appreciate my time at a great club like Manchester United, money has never been my primary motivation. I want to wake up excited to go to work every day.”
“I experienced a knee injury last season, which kept me sidelined for months. It’s a regrettable experience that only amplifies my gratitude for my career.
Despite being at a fantastic club, I’m still proud to wear the Manchester United shirt every day. But now that I’m fully recovered and training tirelessly, my enthusiasm is overflowing. However, there comes a time when decisions need to be made.”
“I’m eager to get back on the pitch. The manager is making different choices now. I’m not the only one knocking on the door, and we have a strong squad. Let’s see what transpires in January.”
Under Ten Hag’s guidance at Ajax, Van de Beek emerged as one of Europe’s most promising young midfielders.
His contributions earned him a nomination for the 2019 Ballon d’Or, and he played a pivotal role in Ajax’s memorable run to the brink of the Champions League final.
Van van Beek eventually agreed to a £40 million deal to join Manchester United in the summer of 2020, despite attracting interest from Real Madrid as a potential long-term replacement for Paul Pogba.
However, he made just four Premier League starts in his debut season, and his opportunities gradually dwindled thereafter.
During the summer, Van van Beek was reportedly in contact with several European clubs, including AC Milan, Inter, and Roma, as he contemplated his options for a potential departure.
While no decision had been made, other potential destinations included OGC Nice, Celtic, and a potential return to Ajax.
