Dream return for Donny van de Beek would be lottery ticket to save his career

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Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek is working hard to return to action.

Donny van de Beek revealed earlier this week that he is ‘not far away’ from a return from injury.

Speaking to MUTV, Van de Beek said: “I’m busy with my recovery after my injury and everything is going well. It’s hard to give you a time but we have to see how everything goes. I’m doing a lot of gym work and getting closer to being on the pitch, which is positive. I’m not far away.”

The Dutchman has been out with a knee injury since early January, sustained in Manchester United’s Premier League win over Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

Donny van de Beek needs dream return

Manchester United have kept the precise details of Donny van de Beek’s knee injury under wraps.

Likewise, Van de Beek is fairly vague over the timescale for his return. But his claim that he is ‘not far away’, raises the possibility of a comeback this season.

Manchester United face Manchester City in the FA Cup final on June 3, a late date due to the season being paused for the World Cup.

So there is a possibility Van de Beek could make it back in time for the big day at Wembley.

There is no guarantee of course, that even if Van de Beek is fit, he would make the matchday squad. He will need to prove his fitness and sharpness to Erik ten Hag.

Just to be involved at Wembley would be a big success for Van de Beek. Now what if he could actually make an impact?

The dream return for Van de Beek would be to come off the bench (he won’t start) and score the winning goal.

But even an assist, or simply scoring in a shootout success, would also constitute a dream comeback. At this stage, just being on the pitch would do wonders for his United career.

Van de Beek’s tale of woe

It seems remarkable that Van de Beek was actually on the Ballon d’Or top 50 shortlist the season before he signed with Manchester United.

Since joining the Red Devils from Ajax, his career has nosedived. He has not played for Netherlands in more than 18 months, and he has started an embarrassingly low six Premier League games for Manchester United in total.

Two of those came this season, and he didn’t grab his opportunity. There was a forgettable loan at Everton in the mix too.

Injuries and irregular playing time have hurt him, and all things considered, an exit is in Van de Beek’s best interests this summer.

That’s why the FA Cup final could be Van de Beek’s lottery ticket to turning his career around.

He has had promising pre-seasons before, only to be left sat on the bench when the real football comes around. He will be reluctant to put his faith in that again.

Van de Beek needs something meaningful to revive his Manchester United career. With new midfield additions expected this summer, a surprise comeback this season can be a timely boost.