The Dutchman has endured a nightmare spell at Old Trafford since being signed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2020. Van de Beek has barely played over the last three years and spent the second half of the 2021/22 campaign out on loan at Everton.

His hopes of impressing Erik ten Hag last season were then ruined by a serious knee injury. Seemingly not in Ten Hag’s plans, the midfielder, 26, has accepted he needs to move on in January, even if that means taking a pay-cut.

“I need to start playing games very soon – if not at Man United then at another club. I think I have to be ambitious,” he said, via the Mirror. “I have always been a lover of the game. I am absolutely crazy about football. I earn a good living at United, but money is not my motivation. I want to enjoy my work every day.”

Van de Beek, who has figured just twice for United this season, said his injury made him appreciate the game more, fuelling his desire for regular first-team action.

Donny van de Beek (left) in conversation with Victor Lindeloef after Manchester United’s defeat to Crystal Palace in September (Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

“Last season I was sidelined for months due to my knee injury. You miss it terribly,” he added. “I appreciate even more that I have a fabulous job. I am at a legendary club and I am still proud every day to wear the Manchester United shirt.

“But I am bursting with energy now that I am top fit again and I am really training like an animal. The time has come to make a different choice.”

Van de Beek also gave his take on United’s struggles, with the team underperforming in both the Premier League and Champions League.

“I’m the first to take a critical look at myself,” he said. “People often talk about this being a mega-club. That is true, but even then it is difficult to see from the outside how big the club really is. It is such an unprecedented football stronghold.

“I had hoped for more games when I was playing well, so you get into a flow. But you have to deal with more factors.

“Everyone wants to make United successful again, but they are not succeeding – and it’s hard to put your finger on it.”