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Man Utd outcast set to return to Old Trafford with club 'unwilling' to sign him

sportbible.com 2024/5/17

The Manchester United outcast could be set for a return to the club after a tough loan spell.

Man Utd outcast set to return to Old Trafford with club 'unwilling' to sign him

Published Apr 19, 2024, 06:00:10 GMT+1Last updated Apr 19, 2024, 06:00:00 GMT+1

A Manchester United outcast could reportedly be set for a return to Old Trafford with his current club ‘unwilling’ to sign him.

Back in the January transfer window, Dutch midfielder Donny van de Beek left United to join Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt on loan.

It was reported that the German club had the option to buy Van de Beek on a permanent deal for £9.5 million at the end of the loan spell.

However, the 27-year-old has again struggled to produce his best football and has only made seven appearances since signing for Frankfurt.

Having been left on the bench for the majority of his time with the club, Van de Beek was also left out of the club’s squad for the Europa Conference League, which indicates he doesn’t have a future at Frankfurt.

Now, as reported by talkSPORT, Van de Beek is set to return to United at the end of the season as Frankfurt are unwilling to trigger the buy option that was included in the initial loan deal.

Back in 2020, Van de Beek was signed by then-United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from Dutch side Ajax in a deal worth a reported fee of £40 million.

Initially tipped to become a huge success at Old Trafford, Van de Beek was hampered by multiple injury problems and a dramatic dip in form.

In total, the midfielder made 62 appearances for the Red Devils across all competitions, scoring just twice.

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During the 21/22 season, Van de Beek was sent out to Everton on loan but again failed to impress as he only recorded one goal in seven matches.

Back in January, United boss Erik ten Hag explained the reasons behind Van de Beek’s struggles at the club.

He said: “He has had many injuries, first of all.

“From the first moment I came in here at Manchester United, he wasn't the player he was at Ajax because he was injured. So many times he was not available and then he struggled for a long time to recover from that injury.”

Ten Hag added: “That is probably the main reason why he was not playing. We decided for a loan in the summer but it didn't come and then his opportunities are few because also we make appointments and we make agreements with players and contract players in that position. The competition was high.”

Featured Image Credit: Getty
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