Desperate Van de Beek issues come-and-get-me plea to leave Man Utd
Milan Keskin
- 25 Nov 2023 04:41 CST
- 3 min read
Donny van de Beek is keen to leave Manchester United.
The midfielder says in an extensive interview with De Telegraaf that he is tired of always sitting on the bench and is therefore considering a transfer in January. The Dutch international was in negotiations with Champions League participants Real Sociedad last summer.
“But at the last minute, the clubs could not reach an agreement,” says Van de Beek, who still has to settle for a reserve role at Man Utd. The midfielder transferred from Ajax to the English superpower for €39 million in 2020 and expected more from his period at Manchester United.
Nevertheless, Van de Beek would never have wanted to miss this period: “Last season, I was sidelined for months due to my knee injury. You miss it terribly and appreciate even more that you have a wonderful profession. I am at a legendary club and I am still proud every day that I can wear the Manchester United shirt.”
'I have to start playing matches'
Now that Van de Beek is fit again, the midfielder is training like crazy. Nevertheless, there is no playing time under Erik ten Hag: “Then the time comes when you have to make a choice.” Van de Beek is referring to the upcoming transfer window.
The 19-time international knows that this is an untenable situation: “I have to start playing matches very soon, if it is not possible at Man United, then at another club. I think this is a healthy ambition."
"Look, I've always been an enthusiast. I'm absolutely crazy about football. I earn a good living at Man United, but money has never been my motivation. I want to enjoy my work every day.”
Van de Beek recently bought a house in Amsterdam, after which the 26-year-old midfielder was linked with a return to Ajax. But according to Van de Beek, none of this is true: “I have a family and we sometimes spend holidays in the Netherlands.”
Still, the former Ajax player is eager to get around to playing. If not at United, then elsewhere: “I'm excited to play matches again. The coach now makes different choices. We have a great selection and I'm not the only one knocking on the door. We'll see what happens in January.”
