Rio Ferdinand has implored Donny van de Beek to leave Old Trafford, claiming that he'd do exactly that if he was in the Dutchman's position.
Since arriving at Manchester United from Ajax in the summer of 2020, Van de Beek has failed to break into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first-choice XI, with even substitute appearances hard to come by of late.
So far this season, the 24-year-old has started just one game for United, that being the side's fateful home Carabao Cup defeat to West Ham.
Advert
He wasn't even able to get on the pitch in United's recent 5-0 loss to Liverpool, as Paul Pogba came off the bench instead - only to get a near-instant red card.
His ostracisation in the United squad has led to numerous links with Newcastle United, who have now been bolstered by the financial muscle of the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
A January move for Van de Beek could therefore be on the cards, and Ferdinand firmly believes the player needs to try and push for a move in order to get his career back on track.
Advert
The former England defender stated on his own YouTube channel that he would have left in similar circumstances.
With just six minutes of Premier League action to his name this season, Ferdinand made it clear that, if he was working for the player, "[Van de Beek] wouldn't be there now."
Now working as a pundit for BT Sport, the 42-year-old didn't mince words when describing the United man's current predicament.
"If I am Donny van de Beek, then I am off. There's no talking to me. Don't chat," Ferdinand asserted.
Advert
"I love Donny because he is a humble kid. But, I have got to be honest, if I was looking after him, then he wouldn't be there now. He would have been gone."
With Newcastle in desperate need of a true creator in their midfield, one with the ability to retain possession for extended spells, perhaps Van de Beek could be the perfect man for the club's new owners to target this winter.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Donny van de Beek, Manchester United, Premier League, Rio Ferdinand, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Newcastle United