Erik ten Hag will have some exciting options for his midfield this season. Manchester United have added Mason Mount to an already solid midfield that contains the likes of Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen. One name that is often an afterthought is Dutch midfielder Donny van de Beek.
van de Beek joined United in 2020, but he’s played just 60 games for the club. He played just seven games last season due to a knee injury that ruled him out indefinitely in January 2023. He’s played most of his football at Manchester United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and barely featured under the also departed Ralf Ragnick. He had so little play time during the 21/22 season that he moved on loan to Everton for the back half of the season. Should he kick on at Manchester United, he will be in a great environment to do so. Erik ten Hag managed van de Beek for three seasons at Ajax.
On July 19th, Manchester United faced off against Olympique Lyon in Edinburgh. The match ended in a 1-0 victory for the Red Devils in what was not seen as full strength squad, yet. Jonny Evans joining the squad was a hot topic, but Donny van de Beek stole the show with the lone goal. After the match, van de Beek was questioned about his future at the club, given the expectation he will be a bench option.
"“This was a big moment for me. There’s still a chance I move, but we’re keeping it open”."
https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1681693881757253632?s=20
With just two years on his contract, Manchester United may look to recoup some of the £40M fee they paid for the Dutchman. A return to Ajax feels somewhat realistic, but he will likely have options among clubs in the Top 5 leagues as well. Quite a few Premier League clubs were interested in loaning in the player during the 21/22 season, and he landed at Everton.