Erik ten Hag confirms Donny van de Beek can leave Manchester United

Erik ten Hag has backed Donny van de Beek to pursue a move away from Old Trafford in January after the midfielder recently claimed he has ambitions to leave.

Van de Beek has struggled for opportunities at United since joining the club during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's reign in a £35m move from Ajax.

However, the Dutchman's career in England has been plagued by injuries and poor form including a loan move at Everton that was curtailed prematurely.

Van de Beek has fallen down the pecking order at United over the past year despite Ten Hag previously working with the midfielder at Ajax.

The recent emergence of Kobbie Mainoo in the heart of United's midfield has made it even more difficult for Van de Beek to earn first-team minutes and he is now set for a move away from the club.

He recently claimed he is ready to leave United after making just six Premier League starts in three years and Ten Hag has agreed a move might be the best option.

'I can see he has to play for his career and for everything,' Ten Hag told a press conference on Friday ahead of his side's weekend trip to Newcastle.

The 26-year-old was expected to transform United's midfield following his arrival three-years ago but has largely underperformed during his time in Manchester.

Van de Beek has currently made just 62 appearances for United, scoring two goals in the process.

He recently insisted that while he has no regrets about moving to the Premier League, he is ready for a new challenge in the New Year.

'I am bouncing to play matches again,' he said, as quoted by The Mirror. 'The manager is making different choices now. We have a big squad and I am not the only one knocking on the door. We'll see in January what happens.

'I need to start playing games very soon - if not