AJAX have been told there is no chance of taking Donny van de Beek back to Holland – because Erik ten Hag is convinced he can still play a key role at Manchester United.
Van de Beek’s former club had hoped a lack of game time may see United let him return to them on loan for the season.
But Ten Hag, the man who sold him to United two years ago, is confident the midfielder can force his way into the starting line-up.
The Old Trafford manager was shocked at how far Van de Beek’s confidence has dropped since he was his gaffer in Amsterdam.
Now Ten Hag has held talks with the 25-year-old to find out why he hasn’t shown the form which saw United pay £35million for him in 2020.
And he has told Van de Beek there is no reason why he cannot make a big impression in Manchester.
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United’s coaching staff are happy with his efforts in training.
But Ten Hag is keen for him to take the risks in his game that earned a move to England in the first place.
Ajax cannot afford van de Beek’s wages of around £100,000 a week.
The Dutch champions hoped United would subsidise any deal if a spell back at the club where he established his reputation sparked a return to his best.
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But although it could happen in January if he remains a bit-part figure, there is no chance in this window, with ten Hag also wary of being left with a lack of numbers.
Despite arriving with a tag as one of Europe’s hottest prospects, Van de Beek has started just four league games for United and spent the second half of last season on loan at Everton.
Yet the Reds’ woeful start to the campaign, leaving them without a point from the first two fixtures, could open the door to a bigger role in Monday’s clash with Liverpool.
