Erik ten Hag has told Man United outcast that January transfer ‘has to’ happen

Erik ten Hag has told Manchester United outcast Donny van de Beek that a transfer away from the club is best for his career.

Van de Beek, 26, joined Old Trafford in the summer of 2020 following impressive performances for Ajax in the Netherlands.

Yet, with Bruno Fernandes as the key player in United’s side under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the Dutch midfielder wasn’t often gifted chances in his favoured position.

Fast-forward to Erik ten Hag taking the reigns at the club and many believed it would lead to a turn in fortunes for the outcast midfielder. However, he has only gone further into the shadows.

Van de Beek recently conducted an interview where he suggested that a January move away from United could happen, and Ten Hag believes it is the best option for him.

The United manager stresses that the player ‘has to play’ but suggests that should be away from Old Trafford now.

“I think Donny has to play,” Ten Hag explained. “In games, he was in the squad, so he had the opportunity. It was a slow start to the season because he was still recovering from physical setbacks.

“But he is back now, and he is doing really well in training, so if you can’t give him perspective, then I can see he has to play for his career and for everything.”

An exit in January could allow United to bring in someone the other way if they are able to get a fee for the Dutch player.

Recent reports have stated that The Reds are interested in getting two additional midfielders, ideally in the January transfer window.

That seems unlikely, but with Van de Beek’s potential exit, one added midfielder could add an important level of depth to a midfield with several injuries and out-of-form players.