Man Utd say yes to luckless star’s exit, as Crystal Palace, Nott’m Forest and Wolves consider lifeline deals

Man Utd and a player labelled ‘one of the worst signings’ in their history have agreed to part ways, with Crystal Palace, Wolves and Nottingham Forest all showing interest, per a report.

The Guardian recently confirmed Man Utd’s transfer budget this summer – prior to player sales – is just £120m. Explaining why the number is smaller than the likes of Arsenal, ESPN claimed United are paying the price for mistakes made in the Ed Woodward era.

Indeed, making David de Gea the highest paid goalkeeper in the world on £375,000-a-week and forking out £73m for Jadon Sancho despite a lack of rival interest were key examples cited. De Gea recently left United as a free agent without the club recouping a transfer fee.

The Woodward reign  also saw £40m (£35m plus £5m in add-ons) paid to Ajax for the services of Donny van de Beek.

The Dutchman’s time at Old Trafford always looked doomed to fail given his primary position of No 10 was filled by Bruno Fernandes.

As such, and combined with a spate of injuries and poor form when afforded rare chances, Van de Beek has racked up just 60 appearances in three years.

Just two goals and two assists have been notched in that time, while a brief loan spell at Everton saw Van de Beek fare no better.

Not even the arrival of Erik ten Hag who managed Van de Beek at Ajax has reversed his fortunes. As such, Fabrizio Romano claimed in late-June that Van de Beek is exploring his options in the market this summer.

Now, a fresh update from 90min has echoed Romano’s claims. However, they also state Man Utd too have determined an exit is the best course of action.

Enough is enough for Man Utd

Indeed, 90min report ‘the decision-makers at United have greenlit Van de Beek’s departure from the club’.

Italian heavyweights Roma, AC Milan and Inter Milan have all shown interest. Indeed, remarkable claims from Spain – in which Van de Beek was branded one of the worst signing in United’s history – claimed Milan had okayed a move.

But per 90min, Van de Beek is not understood to be a priority for any of the Italian giants. What’s more, Fabrizio Romano reported Roma have already rejected the chance to sign the Dutchman in favour of exploring other targets first.

Instead, a surprise move within the Premier League could offer Van de Beek a lifeline and the chance to prove the doubters in England wrong.

The report adds Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Wolves are all monitoring the midfielder’s situation.

On the subject of transfer type, it’s claimed Man Utd would greatly prefer a clean break by selling Van de Beek outright.

However, finding a permanent buyer could prove difficult given Van de Beek’s disastrous spell in Manchester. Instead, the loan avenue is deemed the likeliest result if the Dutchman does make way.

That will do nothing for Ten Hag’s transfer budget right here and now. However, it would free up a chunk off the wage bill and any option or obligation to buy could tee up a future transfer down the road.

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