“The time has come” – Manchester United player admits he wants to leave Old Trafford

Donny van de Beek has admitted that he feels it is now time to leave Manchester United after starting just six times in the last three years at Old Trafford.

Donny van de Beek was signed from Ajax for a fee of around £35 million, joining Manchester United in 2020 under Ole Gunnar Solskjær.

Van de Beek joined Old Trafford after making a name for himself under the guise of Erik ten Hag at the Johan Cruyff Arena, but his career at United at not lived up to expectations for the 2019 Ballon d’Or nominee.

Van de Beek has barely played in the last few seasons after he failed to dislodge Bruno Fernandes in midfield and struggled with multiple injury issues.

He was due to exit Manchester in the summer but a move to La Liga fell through towards the end of the window, and he has played just 21 minutes since.

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“I am bouncing to play matches again,” he told The Mirror. “The manager is making different choices now. We have a big squad and I am not the only one knocking on the door. We’ll see in January what happens.

“I need to start playing games very soon – if not at Man United then at another club. I think I have to be ambitious.

“I have always been a lover of the game. I am absolutely crazy about football. I earn a good living at United, but money is not my motivation. I want to enjoy my work every day.”

Speaking further, Van de Beek explained that he has found it tough not being able to play regularly, but that he does not hold a grudge against United.

Van de Beek explained how he had found it tough not playing regularly and that he held no grudges against United, but felt he had lots to give in a new environment.

“(After my injury) I appreciate even more now that I have a fabulous job. I am at a legendary club and I am still proud every day to wear the Manchester United shirt.

“I had hoped for more games when I was playing well, so you get into a flow. But you have to deal with more factors.

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“Everyone wants to make United successful again, but they are not succeeding – and it’s hard to put your finger on it.

“But I am bursting with energy now that I am fit again and I am really training like an animal. The time has come to make a different choice.”