Ex-Ten Hag favourite ‘accepts it’s time to leave’ as Man Utd open Mount talks

Manchester United flop Donny van de Beek has ‘accepted it’s time to leave’ Old Trafford after talks were opened with Chelsea over a transfer deal for Mason Mount. The disappointing Dutchman has failed to impress since signing for the club in a £34million deal from Ajax back in 2020 and he now looks set to move onto pastures new as part of a big summer clear-out.

Van de Beek was previously recognised as among the best technical midfielders in Europe after helping Ajax reach the Champions League semi-finals during the 2018/19 season.

But largely due to the brilliance of Bruno Fernandes, he has found opportunities hard to come by at Old Trafford under three different managers in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick and Erik ten Hag.

A loan spell with Everton last season failed to improve Van de Beek’s United prospects but he was handed a lifeline following the arrival of his former Ajax head coach Ten Hag last summer.

While he made seven Premier League appearances earlier in the season, a knee injury ended his campaign prematurely to mark another frustrating chapter in his United career.

Now The Guardian are reporting that the Holland international is ready to call time on a rollercoaster journey with the Red Devils in a bid to revive his career.

United are now looking to recoup some of the £34m shelled out to Ajax as they prepare to entertain offers for the 26-year-old.

Reports that revealed United have now opened talks with Chelsea over a deal for Mount appear to be the final nail in Van de Beek’s Old Trafford coffin.

It’s an indication that United are looking to strengthen their options in the position next season which will only hamper Van de Beek’s chances of playing time.

That said, United are still some distance from finalising a deal for the England international as they remain some distance away from Chelsea’s £70m valuation.

Mount has already agreed terms over a move to Old Trafford as he patiently waits for an agreement to be struck between the clubs.

Van de Beek is unlikely to be the only departure at United this summer as player sales will hold the key to spending power.

Captain Harry Maguire is also understood to be headed for the exit door following his £80m transfer from Leicester in 2019.

Dean Henderson is also close to joining Nottingham Forest on a permanent transfer.

Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones will also be leaving on free transfers at the end of June when their contracts are due to expire.

Alex Telles and Eric Bailly are set to move onto pastures new and loanee Wout Weghorst is heading back to Burnley, who he could yet depart this summer.

United are also hopeful of signing a new goalkeeper, central defender and forward in the market as Ten Hag looks to build on this season’s achievements.