Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has insisted that Donny van de Beek will be given opportunities to impress once he has returned from injury.
The 25-year-old returned to Old Trafford over the summer after an unsuccessful loan spell at Everton in the second half of last season, with the midfielder reuniting with Ten Hag, who coached the Netherlands international at Ajax.
Van de Beek has only played 19 minutes of football this season, though, and there has recently been a host of speculation surrounding his future at the club.
There has been talk of interest from Inter Milan, while Leicester City are also believed to be keeping a close eye on the Dutchman's situation in Manchester.
However, Ten Hag has said that Van de Beek remains in his plans at Old Trafford, and the midfielder has been promised chances to secure a regular spot in the side upon his return to fitness.
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"He has to be fit. Obviously, that is a disadvantage," Ten Hag told reporters. "He is now here for two-and-a-half years. He had pre-season, that was quite okay, then his chances will come.
"When he came on against Brighton, he came on as a sub and did very well, but you have to be available and, when you are not available, you cannot get a place in the first XI. Now he has to make sure he gets fit and fights for his position."
Van de Beek last appearance for the 20-time English champions came as a late substitute in the 2-1 victory over Liverpool on August 22.
Ten Hag has revealed that the former Ajax youngster is now "back on the training grass" after a muscular problem, but he is still not ready to be considered for selection.
"He had a muscle injury and so it takes him a couple of weeks," added the manager. "He's back on the training grass so he's outside, doing his work, but still individual. He's not returned to team training so we have to wait for that moment."
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A recent report claimed that Man United could offer Van de Beek to Inter Milan as part of a potential swap deal for central defender Milan Skriniar.
The Dutchman has managed just two goals and two assists in 53 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions since arriving from Ajax in July 2020.
The midfielder still has another three years left to run on his contract at Old Trafford, with the option of an additional 12 months, but he has thus far failed to prove himself in Manchester.
Van de Beek will again be missing for Sunday's Premier League clash with Everton at Goodison Park, while Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Brandon Williams and Axel Tuanzebe remain on the sidelines.
However, Raphael Varane has a chance of recovering from the ankle injury that he picked up in the Manchester derby before the game with the Toffees.
Matt Law
