Man Utd's Van de Beek reveals he is 'not far away' from returning to action

Manchester United's Donny van de Beek has revealed he is 'not far away' from a return to full fitness after four months on the sidelines.

The Dutchman has been absent for the Red Devils since playing in Man United's Premier League win over Bournemouth back on January 3, following a knee issue following a tackle by Marcos Senesi.

Van de Beek was ruled out for the rest of the campaign. Since then, the club has gone on to win the Carabao Cup, reach June's FA Cup final, and maintain a run which should see Erik ten Hag's squad make the Champions League places.

But the 26-year-old midfielder has told MUTV that he does not think his knee problem will keep him out for much longer.

Van de Beek said: 'I’m busy with my recovery after my injury and everything is going well. It’s hard to give you a time but we have to see how everything goes.

'I’m doing a lot of gym work and getting closer to being on the pitch, which is positive. I’m not far away.'

The Dutch midfielder has played 10 games for Man United this season, but has had to watch the last four months of games from afar.

The 26-year-old said: 'It’s a bit strange – of course you want to be there with the lads but it is what it is so I’m supporting them from the side.

'They are so involved – they’re always asking how everything is, how the knee is. They’re really good lads and they support me, so that’s a good feeling.'

There are rumours circulating that his time with the club could be over at the end of the season, with questions continually asked over his future at Man United.

Marcel Sabitzer was hired on loan from Bayern Munich until the end of the season to replace van de Beek.

The Dutchman has made 60 appearances for Man United since a £34m move from Ajax in 2020.