Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag insisted that Donny van de Beek needs regular playing time
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag want Donny van de Beek to get more regular playing time. The 26-year-old has struggled to move up the pecking order under the United boss despite playing under him at Ajax.
Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Mason Mount’s injuries have caused an injury crisis in United’s midfield. Ten Hag has used youngsters like Kobbie Mainoo and Hannibal Mejbri over Van de Beek to compensate for the loss.
Ten Hag has deployed a rigid 4-2-4 formation in recent games, using a double-pivot in midfield behind Bruno Fernandes. In-form Scott McTominay has maintained his starting role after earning his way back into the good grace of the manager. Since the formation’s introduction, the Scotland international actively played alongside Sofyan Amrabat, Eriksen, and Mainoo.
Ten Hag told the reporters (h/t Metro) that Van de Beek needs to play regular football for his career’s sake. He said:
“I think Donny has to play. In games he was in the squad, so then he had the opportunity, but it was a slow start in the season because he still recovered from physical setbacks. But now he is back and is doing well in the training so, if we can’t give him perspective, I can see that he has to play, for his career, for everything.”
United signed Van de Beek from Ajax Amsterdam in the summer of 2020 under then-United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The 26-year-old impressed the Red Devils’ scout while playing at Ajax under the tenure of Ten Hag at that time.
Van de Beek struggled to establish himself under Solksjaer and also under interim managers Michael Carrick and Ralf Rangnick. The Dutchman spent a loan spell at Everton to gain regular first-team experience in the Premier League.
However, a knee injury ruined the loan spell for the 26-year-old as his struggle continued. The appointment of Ten Hag brought some hope for Van de Beek in the United jersey. Nevertheless, he has failed to move up the pecking order under the manager who is well aware of his talent.
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Van de Beek needs regular football as he is currently in the peak years of his career. As things stand, a permanent move in the upcoming transfer market can be mutually beneficial for both the player and the club.
