“I thought my time with him will be great but what he did to me shocked me. I almost run mad in frustration which made me leave the club”-FANS ARE SHOCKED after Donny Van De Beek explains why and how his time at Manchester United ended so badly.

A former Manchester United midfielder has opened up about the struggles he faced under Erik ten Hag, shedding light on why his stint at Old Trafford ended so poorly.

Ten Hag, who was dismissed by United in October, managed to secure both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup during his tenure. However, his time at the helm has since come under scrutiny, with questions raised about player recruitment and tactical decisions.

One of the players who failed to thrive during this period was Donny van de Beek, the former Ajax star who managed just two goals for the club. Van de Beek has now detailed the challenges that derailed his Manchester United career and his subsequent struggles.

Van de Beek Reflects on United Struggles
After a disappointing loan spell at Everton, Van de Beek was sent to Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt last season. However, the Dutch midfielder revealed that the move was fraught with difficulties from the outset.

“I came from so far away, needed rhythm and a series of matches, but that was simply not possible. The result was that I started to drive myself crazy. I had to show what I could do in a match, which meant I tried to do way too much and ended up overcomplicating things,” he told Voetbal Primeur.

Adding to his struggles on the pitch, Van de Beek described personal challenges that compounded his difficulties.

“My home situation was anything but pleasant. Estelle was heavily pregnant, and we decided she would stay in England for the birth of our daughter. She was in Manchester, and I was in Frankfurt, alone. My family was in England, things weren’t going well with football—it was a very tough time.

“I often thought, during that period: What am I doing? If you play so little, you lose confidence. That starts to eat away at you, and it’s not good as a player.”

A Fresh Start in Spain
After his underwhelming loan stint in Germany, Van de Beek returned to Manchester United but was soon sold to La Liga side Girona. There, he has found a measure of stability, making 20 appearances and scoring three goals this season as he works to rebuild his career.

Analysis of Van de Beek’s United Move
FourFourTwo noted that Van de Beek’s transfer to Manchester United seemed puzzling from the start, particularly given Bruno Fernandes’ dominance in the number 10 role. Fernandes, who joined United from Sporting, has been a pivotal figure for the club, leaving little room for Van de Beek to make an impact.

United now turn their attention to Premier League action, facing Bournemouth on Sunday as they look to recover from their midweek Carabao Cup exit.

Donny van de Beek’s struggles at Manchester United offer a stark reminder of how challenging transitions can be for players, even those with immense talent and potential. His reflections highlight both professional and personal challenges that derailed his time at Old Trafford.

### Key Takeaways from Van de Beek’s Experience

1. **Mismatch in Tactical Fit**:
Van de Beek’s style, honed at Ajax under Erik ten Hag, relied heavily on a fluid, possession-based system. At Manchester United, he was often deployed in roles that didn’t suit his strengths, especially with Bruno Fernandes thriving in the number 10 position. This tactical mismatch meant Van de Beek rarely got the extended run of games needed to find rhythm and confidence.

2. **Mental and Emotional Struggles**:
His separation from family during a crucial period in his life compounded the difficulties he faced on the pitch. Balancing professional setbacks with personal challenges can be overwhelming for any player, and Van de Beek’s candidness sheds light on the human aspect of football.

3. **Lack of Consistent Opportunities**:
Van de Beek’s frustration at being unable to string together consecutive matches reflects a common issue for fringe players at top clubs. This lack of rhythm often leads to overthinking, as players feel the need to prove themselves in limited opportunities, sometimes to their detriment.

4. **A New Chapter in Spain**:
Girona appears to have provided a much-needed fresh start for Van de Beek. While his numbers aren’t stellar, consistent game time and a supportive environment are helping him rebuild his career and confidence.

### Broader Implications for United
Van de Beek’s struggles raise questions about United’s transfer strategy during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure and Ten Hag’s inability to fully utilize a player he once thrived with at Ajax. The move also highlights the importance of considering a player’s fit within a team’s tactical system and existing squad dynamics before making high-profile signings.

As Van de Beek looks to reignite his career, his story serves as a cautionary tale for both players and clubs about the challenges of transitioning to new environments. Hopefully, his time at Girona will allow him to rediscover the form that once made him one of Europe’s most promising midfielders.