Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, conceded that Donny van de Beek could be better off leaving Old Trafford to pursue playing time.

After scoring on his United debut in 2020, Van van Beek has almost never been able to secure a spot in the squad. Even after rejoining former Ajax manager Ten Hag, that hasn’t altered, and this season, the midfielder has only been given 21 minutes of playing time in all competitions.

If Van de Beek wishes to depart, Ten Hag seems reluctant to get in the way of him. “I can see he has to play for his career and for everything,” the United boss said.

Even though he’s making fantastic money at United, Van van Beek has stated that he wants to start playing more frequently and that he now has a “choice” to make.

“I have to start playing matches very soon, if not at Manchester United, then at another club,” he told De Telegraaf last weekend. “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.”

Van de Beek developed into one of the top young midfield players in Europe under Ten Hag at Ajax. Because to his efforts, the Dutchman was nominated for the 2019 Ballon d’Or and was instrumental in Ajax’s run to within a kick of the Champions League final.

While Van van Beek was being connected to Real Madrid as a potential replacement for long-term goal Paul Pogba, he ultimately signed a £40 million agreement to join Manchester United in the summer of 2020. In his first season, he started just four Premier League games, and his chances of winning games only got worse from there.

During the summer, 90min revealed that Van de Beek was considering his possibilities for leaving and that he was in contact with many European teams, including AC Milan, Inter, and Roma. Other options included OGC Nice, Celtic, and perhaps Ajax, but nothing was decided.