Man Utd outcast set to return to Old Trafford after receiving apology from manager

A Manchester United outcast looks set to return to the club after receiving an apology from his loan manager.

United have made several failed signings in recent years, with Jadon Sancho the most recent example.

The winger cost United £73 million in 2021, but in January he left the club on loan after falling out with manager Erik ten Hag.

However, Sancho did make at least some impact at Old Trafford before things went south; the same cannot be said for Donny van de Beek.

The Dutch midfielder became one of the most sought-after players in Europe after he helped Ajax reach the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2018-19, but it was United who snapped him up for £40 million in 2020.

The Netherlands international failed to make an impact at Old Trafford though, and is currently experiencing his second loan spell away from the club.

In January Eintracht Frankfurt took Van de Beek on loan until the end of the current season, in a deal that includes a buy option.

However, according to Bild, the Bundesliga side have no plan to make the move permanent.

Donny van de Beek in action for Eintracht Frankfurt. Image: Getty

The 26-year-old has made six appearances for the Bundesliga side and was left out of their Europa Conference League squad for the knockout stages of the competition.

After taking the decision to omit Van de Beek from his European squad, Frankfurt manager Dino Toppmoller apologised to the midfielder.

"He’s only played a total of four games in the last two years, so it won’t happen overnight," the coach explained.

"But I have 100 per cent confidence in his quality, he’ll definitely help us in the second half of the season.

"I told Donny that I was sorry but also what I expected from him now."

With his United contract set to expire in June 2025, it remains to be seen what Erik ten Hag decides to do with Van de Beek this summer.