Donny van de Beek told to quit Manchester United and 'go back to Holland'

Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek has been told to go back to the Eredivisie and "revitalise his career."

The 25-year-old midfielder, who spent the latter part of last season on loan at Everton, must have been encouraged following the summer arrival of Erik ten Hag, who used Van de Beek frequently during his spell as Ajax manager.

But the Dutchman has been limited to just 10 appearances in all competitions for United this season after suffering a serious knee injury in their Premier League clash against Bournemouth in January.

Van De Beek has been ruled out for the rest of the season following the knock, and former United defender Paul Parker believes it's time for the player to move on.

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Speaking to SoccerNews, Parker said: “Even though it’s his old manager that sold him to Man United, I think Ten Hag knows it’s not going to work out for him.

“I think he was used the wrong way under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and he arrived at a bad time due to Covid.

“He might need to go back to Holland and revitalise his career. I don’t see him fitting into a Man United midfield now.”

The 58-year-old, who spent five years at Old Trafford, expressed his admiration for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong. In fact, he believes Ten Hag should move for the former Ajax man this summer.

“I would love it if United signed De Jong," he said.

"He is a different type of player than Casemiro and he is quite agile on the ball. He would fit perfectly in Ten Hag’s midfield.

“He’s a great footballer and he would make the team a lot better. De Jong would add a certain ‘constancy’ to the midfield and in possession he could add a lot to this United.”

Van de Beek suffered a nasty knee injury in January's Premier League clash against Bournemouth at Old Trafford. Image credit: Alamy

Parker added: “[Nicolò] Barella is also a good player, but it is a bit more difficult to fit in an Italian. I would always prefer De Jong to Barella, partly because Ten Hag knows him so well.

“With De Jong, United would have two strong midfielders and then a loose cannon in the number 10 position in the person of Bruno Fernandes. Frenkie sets out the lines and is also very smart. He rarely loses the ball."

Thoughts on Donny van de Beek's future at United? Does he deserve another chance after such an unfortunate injury?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Donny van de Beek, Manchester United, Premier League, Ajax, Eredivisie, Erik Ten Hag

Jack Kenmare

Senior Journalist at SPORTbible with a passion for long-form journalism. Almost 10 years’ experience across online and print.

@jackkenmare_