Manchester United were busy in the January transfer window offloading fringe players, who were sent out on a variety of loan deals, some with more success than others.
When a player leaves Manchester United in mid-season on loan, it is with the intention to change their fortunes and get more playing time.
But as Donny van de Beek is finding out at Eintracht Frankfurt, that’s only half the battle. You have to perform when you get there.
And so far for the Dutchman it has been been tough going, with a disappointing loan so far, and this continued at the weekend.
Donny van de Beek benched again
Donny van de Beek‘s time at Manchester United was plagued by a lack of starts which meant he never really got going.
He started only six Premier League games for United during the entirety of his loan spell, and quite often he was an unused substitute.
Now at Eintracht Frankfurt, his opportunities are not exactly regular either.
At the weekend, Van de Beek was an unused substitute in Eintracht Frankfurt’s 2-1 win away at Heidenheim in the Bundesliga.
This is the third time in the last five matches that Van de Beek has been an unused substitute. It’s becoming an unwelcome theme.
In total, Van de Beek has four starts, and one substitute appearances. Frankfurt clearly don’t see him as a player capable of making an impact.
His loan is not having the desired effect, with no goals or assists during his five appearances so far. From his games, the longest he has played in a single match is 67 minutes.
United need to sell at a big loss
Manchester United paid £35 million to sign Van de Beek back in 2020. It is long past time to move on.
Eintracht Frankfurt have an option to buy Van de Beek for £9.5 million as part of the loan agreement.
From the outside, it looks like the German club will be unlikely to take up that option. He will need to show them a lot more during the final weeks of the season.
If they choose not pay the fee, then United may have to take an even bigger loss to eventually find a buyer for the midfielder this summer.
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