Donny van de Beek exposes last-minute collapse of Old Trafford exit plan

According to Donny Van De Beek, his summertime transfer out of Manchester United fell through "at the last minute".

Donny Van De Beek Opens Up About Fallen Agreement Between Clubs
Image via Getty Images

The Dutch midfielder came close to joining Real Sociedad, but negotiations fell apart, compelling him to remain at Old Trafford.

At 26, Van de Beek has seen only 21 minutes of play under Erik ten Hag’s management this season.

He’s been limited to two substitute appearances against Crystal Palace in the Premier League and Newcastle in the Carabao Cup.

During Sunday’s 3-0 win against Everton, the former Ajax star once again found himself on the bench for the Red Devils.

Post-game, he discussed his near-move to Real Sociedad over the summer with Diario AS, stating, “I was close to going to Real Sociedad, but at the last minute, the clubs could not reach an agreement.”

Since his arrival from Ajax in 2020, the Dutchman has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford, largely due to a knee injury sidelining him for much of the previous season.

In the summer, Manchester United aimed to offload players, with Real Sociedad showing interest in acquiring Van de Beek for La Liga.

However, he remained at Old Trafford, where he continued to slide down the pecking order, overtaken by new signings Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat.

Following a standout performance by youngster Kobbie Mainoo, Van de Beek senses his time at Man Utd is coming to an end.

Expressing his intent for a January move, he stated, “The time comes when a decision has to be made.”

“I have to start playing games very soon, if it’s not possible at United, then I will go to another club.”

“I think this is a healthy ambition. I make a good living at United, but money has never been my motivation.”

Donny van de Beek

Donny van de Beek

Midfielder

NetherlandsNetherlands

Age: 27

184 cm

76 kg

Season 2024/2025
Played 5 4 Missed
Minutes 207 41.4 Avg
Goals 0 0.0 Avg
Assist 1 0.2 Avg
Attempt 2 0.4 Avg
Passes 86 17.273.4% AvgSucc
Yellow 0 0.0 Avg
Red 0 0.0 Avg

Manchester United performance and stats

Manchester United

Manager: Erik ten Hag
Top 3 Scorers
This season

Manchester United is currently 4th in the Champions League with 3 points.

In the last 4 games, it has won once and lost 3 times. In its last match, Manchester United lost 4-3 against FC Copenhagen.​​

It has a negative goal difference after scoring 9 goals and conceding 11.​

Manchester United will play the next match in Champions League against Galatasaray on Wednesday 29th of November in İstanbul. The prediction is Manchester United winning the match.​