Donny van de Beek has been urged to quit Manchester United and return to Holland to save his career, according to former Red Devils star Jaap Stam.
The 23-year-old midfielder has struggled to make an impact since his £40million move from Ajax last summer, making just four Premier League starts and failing to score or assist a single goal in the top flight.
Van de Beek has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford in recent weeks, with reports suggesting he could be set for a loan switch to AC Milan.
And Stam, who won the treble with United in 1999, believes the Dutchman should consider a return to his homeland in order to get his career back on track.
“It’s a difficult situation for Donny,” Stam told Dutch outlet NOS. “He has to make a decision himself.
“He has to decide whether he wants to stay at Manchester United and fight for his place or whether he wants to go back to Holland.
“It’s not easy for him, but he has to make a decision. He has to play football and he can’t do that at Manchester United at the moment.
“He has to go back to Holland and play football again. That’s the only way he can get his career back on track.”
Stam believes Van de Beek should look to emulate the example set by former United team-mate Ruud van Nistelrooy, who left Old Trafford for Real Madrid in 2006 after struggling to hold down a regular place in the starting XI.
“Ruud van Nistelrooy was in a similar situation,” Stam added. “He was not playing regularly and he decided to leave Manchester United.
“He went to Real Madrid and he was very successful there. Donny has to make a decision and he has to make it soon.”
Van de Beek has made just 11 appearances in all competitions for United this season, with his last start coming in the FA Cup third round win over Watford in January.
The midfielder has been linked with a move to AC Milan in recent weeks, with reports suggesting the Serie A giants are keen to take him on loan until the end of the season.
However, Stam believes Van de Beek should look to return to Holland in order to get his career back on track.
“He has to go back to Holland and play football again,” Stam said. “That’s the only way he can get his career back on track.
“He has to make a decision and he has to make it soon. He has to decide whether he wants to stay at Manchester United and fight for his place or whether he wants to go back to Holland.”
