Manchester United Have One Last Chance to Sell Forgotten £35m Man This Summer

Donny van de Beek hasn't completed a full 90 minutes in over two years and may be facing his final year at Manchester United.

Van de Beek’s Struggles at Manchester United

Since joining Manchester United from Ajax in October 2020 for £35 million, Donny van de Beek's career has been plagued by inconsistent performances and injuries. The 27-year-old midfielder is currently enjoying time with his growing family, having welcomed a second child with his partner, Estelle Bergkamp, daughter of Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp. Van de Beek is expected to return to Carrington in early July.

Despite his promising talent, Van de Beek has struggled to find his footing at United. His last full match was in March 2022 for Everton against Wolves. A loan spell at Eintracht Frankfurt in January failed to reignite his career, as he only started four Bundesliga matches and never lasted more than 66 minutes.

The Impact of Injuries and Poor Performance

Injuries have certainly hindered Van de Beek's progress, including a knee injury during Erik ten Hag’s first season at Old Trafford. However, his performance has been consistently underwhelming since his arrival. Initially set to join Real Madrid, the transfer fell through due to financial issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading United to sign him without a clear plan for his role.

Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Van de Beek was often played out of position, and even Ten Hag, his former Ajax manager, struggled to integrate him into the team. This lack of consistent playtime and a defined role has contributed to his diminished impact on the field.

Uncertain Future at United

Van de Beek's future at Manchester United is uncertain. Rumors suggest he has reconnected with his former agent, Guido Albers, in hopes of securing a move. United is keen to offload him this summer, but his recent form and fitness issues make it a challenging task. If not sold, he could be loaned out again or remain at the club for the final year of his contract, leaving on a free transfer next summer.

Conclusion

As Manchester United faces their last chance to sell Donny van de Beek this summer, the midfielder’s career hangs in the balance. Once a promising talent, Van de Beek now finds himself at a crossroads, needing a fresh start to revive his footballing journey.