Erik ten Hag hints at January exit for Donny van de Beek

The Netherlands international has only made two appearances for the 20-time English champions this season, with just one of those outings coming in the Premier League, featuring for the final two minutes against Crystal Palace at the end of September.

Van de Beek recently expressed his pride at playing for the Red Devils but conceded that an exit was likely, as he needed to play football at this stage of his career.

The midfielder has also revealed that he came close to joining Real Sociedad over the summer, with the move breaking down at the final moment.

Ten Hag was asked about the 26-year-old during his press conference to preview Saturday's Premier League clash with Newcastle United at St James' Park.

The Dutchman said that Van de Beek "has to play", and he is now seemingly set to leave Old Trafford when the January transfer window opens for business.

"I think Donny has to play. In games he was in the squad, so then he had the opportunity, but it was a slow start in the season because he still recovered from physical setbacks," Ten Hag told reporters on Friday.

"But now he is back and is doing well in the training so, if we can't give him perspective, I can see that he has to play, for his career, for everything."

Van de Beek scored 41 goals and registered 34 assists in 175 appearances for Ajax before making the move to Old Trafford, but he has only managed two goals and two assists in 62 outings for Man United in all competitions.

The Dutchman has only played 21 minutes of football for Man United this season, with 19 of those coming in the EFL Cup against Palace on September 26.

Van de Beek was on the bench against Everton in the Premier League last weekend but was not included in the squad for Wednesday's clash with Galatasaray, as he is not registered in the Champions League.

Galatasaray are currently being linked with a mid-season move for the former Ajax playmaker, while there has also been suggestions of interest from Newcastle.

A recent report claimed that Juventus are also considering the possibility of moving for him in January as part of a double raid on the Red Devils.

Van de Beek has been training with Man United ahead of Saturday's clash with the Magpies, and he could again be on the bench due to the team's injury current problems.