15 December 2023 , 18:05
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Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek is set to join Eintracht Frankfurt on loan in a move which could finally mark the end of his disappointing Old Trafford career.
The Red Devils have agreed a deal in principle with the German side ahead of the January transfer window, with Van de Beek - who has agreed his side of the move - having played just 21 minutes of competitive football this season. The Dutch midfielder has been firmly out of favour since joining United from Ajax in the summer of 2020, an unsuccessful move which has resulted in him losing his place in the Dutch national team.
Now Van de Beek, 26, will have the chance to reignite his stalling career, with Frankfurt having the chance to sign him on a permanent basis for £12.5million in the summer should he impress. That would represent a significant loss for United, who paid £35m to sign him during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's reign.
Despite being reunited with former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag 18 months ago, Van de Beek has been given limited opportunities amid injury struggles and was even left out of United's Champions League squad this season. There's no obligation for the Bundesliga outfit to sign the 26-year-old permanently, but it will almost certainly mark the end of his time at United.
Van de Beek's contract doesn't expire until 2025, with the option of a further year, but compatriot Ten Hag recently opened the door for him to leave. "I think Donny has to play," the Red Devils boss declared earlier this month. "In games he was in the squad, so he had the opportunity.
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"It was a slow start to the season because he was still recovering from physical setbacks. But he is back now and he is doing really well in training, so if you can’t give him perspective then I can see he has to play for his career and for everything."
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Donny van de Beek is expected to sign for Eintracht Frankfurt on loan (Matt McNulty/Getty Images)The man himself exclusively told Mirror Football last month that he has no regrets about signing for United. "I am bouncing to play matches again," Van de Beek affirmed.
"The manager is making different choices now. We have a big squad and I am not the only one knocking on the door. We'll see in January what happens. I need to start playing games very soon - if not at Man United then at another club. I think I have to be ambitious.
"I have always been a lover of the game. I am absolutely crazy about football. I earn a good living at United, but money is not my motivation. I want to enjoy my work every day."