Ten Hag is optimistic over his future despite the setback (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek has been ruled out for the rest of the season, Erik ten Hag has confirmed.
The Netherlands international suffered the injury during United’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth on 3 January.
While it has ended his season, ten Hag initially feared the injury would keep him sidelined for even longer and believes he will be back when United begin their pre-season campaign in the summer.
‘It is his knee,’ Ten Hag said. ‘In the long term it is looking really good and he will be back for the start of pre-season. The rest of the season he is out.’
Van de Beek has struggled to make an impact since his £35million arrival from Ajax in 2020 withhis start against Bournemouth just his second in the league this season with ten Hag expressing his sympathy for his compatriot.
‘Everyone’s thoughts are with him. It is terrible when you are in a season and you get a bad tackle and a bad injury.
‘It is always really disappointing and thoughts and feelings are with the player. You express that.
Ten Hag previously coached the Dutchman at Ajax (Picture: Getty)
‘We are now happy his knee in the long term is good. In the same moments, there are mixed feelings and disappointment he is out of this season.
‘The players are feeling we are building something good and we want to be part of it and everyone wants to be part of it.’
United take on neighbours Manchester City in a huge derby match on Saturday, where victory would move them to within a point of the defending champions.
Diogo Dalot will miss out however after he limped off with a knock during Tuesday’s win over Bournemouth. Anthony Martial is also a doubt after picking up a leg injury.
‘I think Diogo Dalot is not available and Anthony Martial, he trained this morning so we have to wait to see how he recovers from this training and if he’s available. We will make the decision tomorrow,’ ten Hag told a press conference on Friday.
‘It is a small thing in his leg [with Martial] and, if he is not available for tomorrow, it will be Wednesday [at Crystal Palace].’
MORE : Pep Guardiola rates Manchester United’s improvement under Erik ten Hag
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A huge setback for the star…
