Ten Hag Tells Manchester United Star To Perform Well Or Leave The Club

Erik ten Hag has told Donny van de Beek to either prove himself or leave Manchester United on a permanent transfer.

The former Ajax playmaker has started the last three matches under Ten Hag. But despite getting praise from the manager for his movement and positioning, Van de Beek has been substituted in all of them.

The failure to impose himself on the game against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup, where goalkeeper Martin Dubravka completed more passes in the first half, underlined yet again that the Dutchman isn’t simply good enough to replace or even properly challenge Bruno Fernandes to become United’s creator in chief.

Underwhelming performances in three different competitions mean he’s unlikely to get another meaningful start for United anytime soon, leading to the suggestion of another loan move. He did relatively well at Everton during the second half of the 2021-22 season.

However, Ten Hag has ruled out another loan exit, insisting he wants the versatile midfielder to prove himself at Old Trafford.

“I don’t think the loan makes sense,” the Dutch coach said.  “It’s either he fights and proves himself in this environment or he goes, but for me, there is still a way for him.”

Van de Beek was expected to revive his career under the former Ajax boss, but his situation at United hasn’t improved so far.

On Friday, it was confirmed he won’t be part of the Netherlands squad for the World Cup. Nevertheless, the 25-year-old could use a break from the hectic Premier League schedule and more training time with Ten Hag at Carrington to find his Ajax form.