Manchester United fans have finally given up on their £35m signing

Manchester United have paid £1.25million for every start that Donny van de Beek has made during his time at the club.

Van de Beek signed for £35m from Ajax in September 2020 and he's made just 28 starts since. His career blossomed in Amsterdam but it's spectacularly regressed in Manchester and his absence from each matchday squad this season hasn't been a story.

The player is a peripheral member of the dressing room and interest from FC Lorient and Galatasaray in signing him on loan in the summer transfer window demonstrated just how much his stock has fallen.

French club Lorient finished midtable in Ligue 1 last season and Turkey's Süper Lig is hardly known for its quality. Van de Beek was one of the most sought-after talents in Europe and he now finds himself linked to obscure places.

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Any move away before the transfer deadline would have been good for Van de Beek in truth. Erik ten Hag has made it abundantly clear the player is not in his plans and he's clearly below the level required to regularly start for United.

Ten Hag was asked about Van de Beek in November and said: "I’ve seen him better in the past. But I think positioning-wise, he’s acting quite well. But he has to make that step up. I don’t think a loan [makes] sense.

"It’s either he fights and proves himself, in this atmosphere and environment, or he goes. But for me, there is still a way for him. It’s not going to be easy because the competition there is really strong."

Van de Beek has tried to fight for his place but it just hasn't worked out for him. There have been four different managers to preside over the player during his three-year stint and they've all reached the same conclusion.

There is obviously a