Donny Van de Beek: Former Ajax stalwart to leave Manchester United in January; boss Erik Ten Hag confirms as Dutchman would leave club in quest of game time
Former Ajax and Everton star Donny Van de Beek would be open to explore options in January in quest of game-time, as is confirmed by Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag who says it might be best for the player.
Donny Van de Beek- one of Ajax’s jewels
Donny Van de Beek has been one of the exceptional stars for the legendary Ajax squad, which has seen one of the biggest surprises in football. Few years back, it was Ajax, one of Netherland’s greatest football club, who had swooned the world with their diligence and exuberance which saw them knocking out UEFA Champions League stalwarts Real Madrid, eventually proceeding till the semifinals of the coveted tournament, before being knocked out by Lucas Moura’s brilliance. A club which once belonged to some of modern day greats like Frenkie De Jong, Donny Van de Beek, Matthijs de Ligt, has been dilapidated this season, with the mentioned stars shining with their respective clubs. But, Donny Van de Beek might be considered as one of the unluckiest of the slot, as he has perished over the years, staying on the Manchester United bench.
The young wizard, who was known for his exceptional dribbles and exuberance, had joined Premier League greats Manchester United in 2020, hoping for a successful flourish of football career. But since then, he has mustered exceptionally less minutes over three seasons, which includes a meagre 21-minute spell this season across all competitions. Even a reunion with ten Hag has not smoothened things for the Dutchman as it was under ten Hag, Ajax had flourished in Netherlands.
“He has to play”, says Ten Hag
Manchester United’s under-fire boss Erik Ten Hag, who has been criticized and kept under pump owing to some dismal performances from his side, which involves a disappointing Manchester Derby loss at home to blowing away leads twice in UEFA Champions League and standing at the bottom of the table on the brink of exit, has mentioned about his potential plans related to Donny Van de Beek. He was head saying, “I can see he has to play for his career and for everything.”
The former Ajax midfielder, who was also nominated for next year’s Balon D’Or owing to his blitzkrieg performances in UEFA Champions League, had expressed his desire to play more in De Telegraaf last weekend. He was heard saying, “I have to start playing matches very soon, if not at Manchester United, then at another club.”
He further added, “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.”
Speaking on his chances to play at United, Van de Beek spoke, “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.”
Now, as the winter transfer window approaches, Donny would look to strengthen his position on the transfer market as he seems to be a hot target for several heavyweights like OGC Nice, Inter Milan to name some few.
