Donny van de Beek believes he can ‘help’ Man United as Dutchman admits injury layoff was ‘hard time’

Donny van de Beek believes he can now ‘help’ Manchester United after returning from a long hiatus.

The 25-year-old was expected to be seen regularly after the arrival of Erik ten Hag, having been led by his compatriot during his time at Ajax.

But Van de Beek suffered an injury in August that sidelined him for nearly two months before returning in the win against Sheriff Tiraspol last week.

Donny van de Beek missed two months of action this season after an injury in August

He has vented his frustration over the injury but now wants to impress and take some of the burden off his teammates.

Speaking with the club websiteVan de Beek said: ‘Being injured is the hardest thing there is for a player.

“You want to be on the pitch, around the boys in the stadium, feel the grass and yes, it’s hard when you’re injured.

The Dutchman made his comeback last week in the Europa League victory over Sheriff Tiraspol

“I’m happy to be back and stay fit for a longer period of time and just try to help the team. I feel great, I feel good and what I’m saying is that I just have to keep going and when opportunities come up, I have to grab them.

‘It [playing an attacking role] is also one of the points where I might be able to help the team, play between the lines and make my runs with the ball, which can make passes. I’m just doing my best and have to stay fit and help the team.

‘Yes [it’s been hard], especially for some of the other guys who have played so many games. “I was gone for a while, so it’s a little different for me.”

Van de Beek says he is happy to be back and would like to impress manager Erik ten Hag

Van de beek has struggled to impress since he came over from Ajax for £39.6 million in 2020. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Everton before returning to United.

Ten Hag strengthened his options in midfield this summer with the additions of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, who both seem to be first choice at the moment.

Van de Beek played three league games from the bench in the early stages of the season before returning to the Europa League last week.