Van van Beek has recently hinted that he would want to depart during the January transfer window in order to get more playing time.

Ten Hag informed the Red Devils that the midfielder would not play a significant role for United this season, thus the club was eager to transfer him in the summer.

But since then, Van van Beek has made two United appearances this season, clocking 21 minutes of play (including 19 in the Carabao Cup).

The additions of Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat this summer further lowered the Dutchman’s status at Old Trafford.

“In my opinion, Donny has to play,” Ten Hag stated on Friday. He had opportunities when he was on the team for games, but the season got off to a sluggish start as he battled through physical challenges.

“However, he is currently back and performing admirably in training, so even if we are unable to provide him with perspective, I can understand that he must play—for his career, for everything.”

“I need to play on a regular basis…,” Van van Beek stated last week when discussing his own future. It will be with another club if not Manchester United.

Aiming high is good for you. Football is something that completely consumes me. At Manchester United, I get a respectable salary, but that has never been my driving force.

United paid Ajax £34.6 million plus £4.4 million in add-ons to sign Van de Beek in 2020, but he hasn’t been very good since then, appearing in just 62 games and netting two goals and two assists.