Van de Beek's message to Man Utd over their idea of his "journey' speaks volumes

Manchester United released a video on Friday morning detailing Donny van de Beek's rise at Ajax and his move to Old Trafford in October 2020.

The promotional feature is called "The United Journey" - but there's no doubt the player's road to success has become rocky since he arrived in the Premier League.

Despite being fit for the majority of his time in Manchester, Van de Beek has made just four Premier League starts out of a possible 50.

The 24-year-old is often left on the bench by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, leaving confused fans questioning why the club spent a reported £39million on him.

Van de Beek was one of the hottest prospects in Europe when signed for United, helping Ajax reach the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019.

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He also won the Eredivisie title and became an international footballer during his time in the Netherlands, picking up 19 senior caps to date.

Along with fellow Ajax youngsters Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt, Van de Beek was expected to go on and achieve plenty in the game.

Former Premier League footballer Jamie Redknapp said in September 2020: "Donny van de Beek will be a really good signing for Manchester United.

"He's an exciting player, he knows the game, he's learnt the right way at Ajax where you learn the basics of how to play football. The game looks easy for him."

Van de Beek may still go on to succeed - but not at Old Trafford. Reports suggest Van de Beek has hired Ali Dursun as his new agent to secure a transfer in January.

The midfielder has been linked with mega-rich Newcastle in recent weeks and Everton expressed their interest in him during the summer window.

The club's technical director Marcel Brands has revealed: "We had him on our list. At the beginning of the transfer window, we enquired at United, then it was impossible.

"At the end of the window, I received a call from Guido Albers, his [former] agent, that he might be rented out after all. But at the last minute it was cancelled. Stopped again."

Speaking in the promotional video, Van de Beek said: "I learnt football on the streets with my friends, playing everyday after school... my whole life was playing football everyday.

"I think the most important thing is to believe in yourself and never lose your confidence and, of course, you have to enjoy the game."

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Right now, though, Van de Beek is unlikely to be enjoying his game with just 16 Premier League minutes to his name this term. Very few players could.

United manager Solskjaer needs to start playing the Dutchman - or let him leave the club in January - if they want him to succeed.

Going from a hot prospect to a bench warmer is not a "journey" worth talking about. It's just an insult to a talented player.