Manchester United has faced numerous challenges this season, leading the new co-owners, INEOS, to strive to rectify the mistakes of the Glazers. As the team approaches a crucial summer transfer window, they must first address Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions by offloading players. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, one of the co-owners, is already planning a significant player exodus, with a double-digit number of departures expected. Among them is Donny van de Beek, who joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan in January but has endured a disappointing season so far. The Dutch international has made only four starts for the German club and has been excluded from the UEFA Conference League roster by manager Dino Toppmoller.

 It is unlikely that Frankfurt will exercise their €10 million buy option from the loan contract, meaning van de Beek is set to return to Manchester United, where he has struggled to make an impact since his €39 million move in 2020. He started just 19 games in his first two seasons, as both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and interim manager Ralf Rangnick did not have faith in his ability to consistently start matches. Despite the arrival of his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag, van de Beek’s fortunes did not improve, with only four starts last season, leading to his loan move. Manchester United is eager to offload him, regardless of Ten Hag’s decision, due to his substantial weekly wage of £120,000. By June, his current contract will have one year remaining. Although his former club Ajax was linked with a move for him, they were unwilling to meet Manchester United’s valuation. Reports suggest that the club may even consider terminating his contract and releasing him for free. At 26 years old, there is still hope that van de Beek can turn his situation around, but there comes a point where one must consider moving on. 

His loan spell at Frankfurt has not sparked any improvement in form or confidence, indicating that he may strugglе to break into the team next season. A change in manager is unlikely to alter this trajectory. It is an unfortunate circumstance for a player who was expected to be a fantastic signing. If Frankfurt does not pursue a permanent deal, Manchester United will have the option of another loan or a low-cost transfer abroad. 

At this stage, it might even be necessary to allow him to leave for free to alleviate the burden on the club’s finances. His current market value has plummeted to €7 million, highlighting the decline in van de Beek’s stock since his Ajax days, during which Manchester United had to outbid Real Madrid to secure his signature. At the time, he was even nominated for the Ballon d’Or.