Hughes: Man Utd are ‘edging towards’ selling ‘lost’ star

Joe Williams
Mark Hughes Man Utd
Mark Hughes Man Utd

Mark Hughes thinks Man Utd could be “edging towards” a decision to sell “lost” midfielder Donny van de Beek this summer.

The Netherlands international played 64 minutes for the Red Devils as they crashed out of the FA Cup to Leicester City on Sunday.

Van de Beek once again failed to have an influence of the game with his first season at Man Utd not going to plan following his summer transfer from Ajax.


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There has been lots of debate about whether the Dutchman needs more playing time but he has failed to create or score a goal in his last 17 appearances in all competitions.

In fact he has only contributed one goal and one assist all season with Man Utd legend Hughes not convinced he will be at Old Trafford much longer.

“Clearly it’s difficult, he hasn’t had enough game time and you can see that in his play,” Hughes told Stadium Astro.

“He’s wandering and not really getting on the ball, doesn’t know how to affect the game, can’t demand the ball of his team-mates because they’re not quite sure whether or not they have enough confidence in him.

“He looks like a guy who’s wandering around lost on the field. Okay, some of that responsibility he has to take on himself, he has be more demonstrative, he has to be a key player. He’s a big-money signing he’s come from a big club in Ajax so he’s used to being a top player of influence.

“But clearly, since he’s come to United he hasn’t shown anything like what the level he needs to be at to remain a Man United player.

“He can only have so many opportunities, at some point he’s going to have to take them or United will move him on. I think they’re edging towards that decision if he’s not careful.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer responded on Wednesday to fresh reports about Van de Beek’s happiness at United.

“There’s always speculation here,” Solskjaer said. “Donny has been focusing really hard, working really hard to get back available for the latter stages of the season so that’s our focus.”