Donny edging closer to exit, warns Hughes

MARK Hughes thinks United are edging closer towards selling Donny van de Beek due to his lack of impact since joining from Ajax.

The midfielder made his return after a month out with injury to start against Leicester City in the FA Cup on Sunday, but produced an ineffective display before being replaced after 64 minutes in the 3-1 defeat. Van de Beek has struggled to make much of an impact since joining in the summer, making just two starts in the Premier League.

Former Reds star Hughes feels the 23-year-old looks lost and has been unable to inspire confidence from his team-mates.

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

“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. Some of that responsibility he has to take on himself, he has to 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.”