“I Thought My Time With Him Will Be Great, but What He Did to Me Shocked Me. I Almost Run Mad in Frustration, Which Made Me Leave the Club”

Fans Are Shocked After Donny Van De Beek Explains Why and How His Time at Manchester United Ended So Badly

Donny van de Beek’s struggles at Manchester United have been a subject of intense debate among fans and pundits alike. The Dutch midfielder, who arrived at Old Trafford with high expectations after excelling at Ajax, has now shared the details of his turbulent time under former manager Erik ten Hag, leaving fans shocked.

Ten Hag, who departed Manchester United in October after winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, faced criticism for his handling of several players, and Van de Beek’s case stands out as one of the most perplexing. Despite the manager’s history with the midfielder at Ajax, Van de Beek’s career at United failed to take off.

Van de Beek, speaking candidly to Voetbal Primeur, revealed the emotional and physical toll of his time at the club, painting a picture of frustration and unfulfilled potential. His words have sparked a wave of reactions from fans, many of whom are now questioning the decisions made during Ten Hag’s tenure.

A Promising Start, But a Harsh Reality

Van de Beek joined Manchester United in 2020, with hopes of building on his stellar reputation as one of Europe’s most promising midfielders. However, the reality was far from what he had envisioned. Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, he struggled to secure consistent playing time, which began to erode his confidence.

“I thought my time with him [Ten Hag] would be great,” Van de Beek admitted. “But what he did to me shocked me. I almost ran mad in frustration, which made me leave the club. It was the most difficult period of my career.”

Challenges Under Ten Hag

The midfielder detailed how his relationship with Ten Hag, once a source of optimism, turned into a source of confusion and disappointment. “I expected better communication and understanding from him. He knew my strengths and weaknesses, but it felt like he didn’t trust me anymore. It was painful.”

Van de Beek’s frustration wasn’t solely rooted in his lack of playing time. He revealed that the club’s tactical setup and his role in the squad were never clearly defined, leaving him feeling lost on the pitch.

A Troubled Loan Spell

In search of regular football, Van de Beek went on loan to Everton and later to Eintracht Frankfurt. However, neither move provided the fresh start he desperately needed. At Frankfurt, the situation became even more challenging, with personal and professional issues compounding his struggles.

“I came from so far away, needed rhythm, and a series of matches, but that was simply not possible,” he said. “The result was that I started to overthink everything. I tried to do too much on the pitch, and it backfired.”

Van de Beek also spoke about the loneliness he experienced during his time in Germany. “My wife was pregnant and stayed in England. I was alone in Frankfurt, struggling with football and personal issues. It was a tough time that made me question everything.”

The Turning Point

After his loan spell at Frankfurt ended, Van de Beek returned to Manchester United, only to find himself surplus to requirements. The final blow came when he was sold to La Liga side Girona. Although it was a difficult decision, Van de Beek acknowledged that it was necessary for his mental and professional well-being.

“In Spain, I finally found some stability,” he said. “It’s not been easy, but I feel like I’m starting to rebuild my career.”

Fans React to His Revelations

Van de Beek’s candid interview has elicited strong reactions from Manchester United fans. Many expressed sympathy for the midfielder, while others criticized the club’s handling of his situation. Social media platforms were flooded with messages of support for Van de Beek, with fans calling for greater accountability from the club’s management.

A Lesson for Manchester United?

Van de Beek’s story highlights a recurring issue at Manchester United: the inability to integrate certain players into the squad effectively. Critics argue that this points to deeper problems within the club’s recruitment and player development strategies.

“Donny’s situation is not unique,” said a well-known pundit. “We’ve seen similar cases with other talented players who joined United and failed to reach their potential. The club needs to take a hard look at its processes.”

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges he faced, Van de Beek remains optimistic about the future. His performances at Girona have shown glimpses of the player who once dazzled at Ajax, and he is determined to prove his doubters wrong.

“I’m focused on enjoying football again,” he said. “The past few years have been tough, but I believe in my ability. I want to show the world what I’m capable of.”

What’s Next for Manchester United?

As for Manchester United, the club is now in a period of transition following Ten Hag’s departure. New leadership and a fresh approach to player management will be crucial if the club hopes to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.

Van de Beek’s story serves as a stark reminder of the human side of football. Behind the headlines and statistics are players grappling with pressures that can often feel insurmountable. For Van de Beek, the journey has been far from smooth, but it’s one he hopes will lead to redemption and success.