“I thought my time with him will be great but what he did to me shocked me. I almost run mad in frustration which made me leave the club”-FANS ARE SHOCKED after Donny Van De Beek explains why and how his time at Manchester United ended so badly
Donny van de Beek Opens Up About Manchester United Struggles
A former Manchester United midfielder has shared insights into the challenges he faced under Erik ten Hag, explaining why his time at Old Trafford ended in disappointment.
Although Ten Hag, dismissed by United in October, achieved success with the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, his tenure was marred by criticism over player recruitment and tactical decisions. Among the players who struggled under his leadership was Donny van de Beek, who only managed two goals during his time with the club. The ex-Ajax star has now reflected on the factors that disrupted his United career and subsequent journey.
Van de Beek’s Reflections on a Tough Period
After an unsuccessful loan spell at Everton, Van de Beek was loaned to Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt, but the move presented immediate challenges.
“I came from far behind and needed rhythm, but getting consistent match time wasn’t possible. I began overthinking and trying to prove myself too much, which backfired,” he told Voetbal Primeur.
Compounding his professional struggles were personal challenges.
“My home situation was very difficult. Estelle was heavily pregnant, and we decided she would stay in England for the birth of our daughter while I went to Frankfurt alone. Being separated from my family made it harder. Things weren’t going well in football, and my personal life was strained—it was a really tough time.
“I often asked myself: What am I doing here? When you play so little, your confidence erodes. It’s not good for a player’s mindset,” he added.
A Fresh Start in Spain
Following his tough stint in Germany, Van de Beek returned to Manchester United but was soon sold to Girona in La Liga. There, he has enjoyed more stability, appearing in 20 matches and scoring three goals this season as he works to rebuild his career.
Analysis of Van de Beek’s Move to United
Van de Beek’s transfer to United always seemed perplexing, especially given Bruno Fernandes’ dominance in the attacking midfield role. Fernandes, who joined United from Sporting Lisbon, quickly became the creative lynchpin of the team, leaving little room for Van de Beek to make an impact.
At United, Van de Beek’s strengths—developed in a possession-based, fluid system at Ajax—didn’t align with the roles he was assigned. This mismatch, combined with limited opportunities, undermined his ability to establish himself.
Broader Implications
Van de Beek’s struggles at Manchester United underscore the complexities of adapting to new environments, even for highly skilled players. His story highlights key lessons for clubs regarding the importance of tactical fit, player development, and mental health support.
His resurgence at Girona signals a hopeful new chapter. While his numbers are modest, consistent playing time and a positive environment are giving him a chance to rebuild his confidenc
e and rediscover his potential.