Home » Erik ten Hag delivers brutal message to former protégé Donny van de Beek

Erik ten Hag delivers brutal message to former protégé Donny van de Beek

by Ayantan Chowdhury


Manchester United took their revenge on Aston Villa for the Premier League debacle by beating them 4-2 in their Carabao Cup third round contest on Thursday.

It was hard-earned as United had to come back from a goal down on two separate occasions before securing passage to the fourth round of the competition.

Despite the win which was secured thanks to the superlative displays from Bruno Fernandes and substitute Alejandro Garnacho, United found it tough to break down a stubborn Villa defence.

Donny’s struggles

One player who kept his place from the league disaster was Donny van de Beek but he could not make any sort of positive impact for time time he was on the pitch.

He was so poor that goalkeeper Martin Dubravka ended up having more touches of the ball in the first-half than the former Ajax midfielder.

And he was rightly substituted after a third consecutive ineffectual display with many contemplating whether he was cut to represent United.

And when posed the question whether his compatriot should ideally go out on loan to gather confidence before playing for the Red Devils, Ten Hag said that either Van De Beek had to prove his worth amidst the competition or risk being sold.

“I don’t think a loan [makes] sense. It’s either he fights [for] himself and proves himself, in this atmosphere in this environment, or he goes,” the manager commented.

Brutal ETH verdict

The versatile Dutch international has already been linked with a move away from United in the winter transfer window after struggling to make an impact during the course of the season..

However, Ten Hag refused to rule out his former protégé from showing his true worth. He mentioned that he has already seen glimpses of the midfielder’s talent which suggests he could still make it at Old Trafford.

“But for me, there is still a way for him, there is still a perspective for him. It’s not going to be easy because the competition there is really strong.

“I’ve seen him better in the past. But I think positioning-wise, he’s acting quite well. But he has to make that step up.”

Time is running out for Van De Beek to assure fans that he belongs in Manchester and can regain the form he had shown back in Amsterdam which had earned him a move to England.


United Matchday Magazine – be in the know about everything red!
Take your seat for the Fulham match and join the debate on the hottest United topics!

  • Get all the match build-up, articles, news, puzzles, nostalgia and humour
  • Online football content like you’ve never seen before
  • No ads, no clickbait, no fake news – just 100% pure United
  • Instantly delivered to your device with easy and secure online ordering
  • Click Preview or go to unitedmatchmag.com to see more or buy for just £1.25/$1.50


Latest Top Stories...