The Dutch midfielder moved from Ajax – where he was managed by Ten Hag – to Old Trafford in a £35million deal in 2020, but played just 380 minutes across 14 appearances prior to the start of this season and was loaned out to Everton.
Van de Beek, who has lost his place in Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands squad, was backed to return to form under his old boss, though injuries have restricted his game time.
He made his first start under Ten Hag in Thursday’s 1-0 win over Real Sociedad and faced a significant amount of criticism for his peripheral display, but Ten Hag is still backing the 25-year-old and refusing to give up on him.
Asked if it is at a point where United have to accept that Van de Beek’s move has not worked, Ten Hag replied: ‘Yes, but not now.
‘He had I think a quite good pre-season, he was injured, now he is back.
‘Last week he came on [against West Ham], I think he played very well in his 15 minutes. And also today I think it was a decent performance.
‘I know he can do better, because I know him very well, but I think he acted and delivered what I expected in terms of positioning and also pressing and in terms of transition and in terms also of accuracy.
‘But I think he can do more [going forward], and I think that’s his biggest quality, he can be a bigger threat to the opponent’s goal.’
Probed on why it hasn’t worked out for Van de Beek at United so far, Ten Hag continued: ‘I don’t know, I can only talk about my time here.
‘In the time I’ve been here, he’s performing well in the games and in the game time we gave him.’
United are currently dealing with something of an injury crisis in their attacking positions, with Antony, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial all absent against Sociedad while Bruno Fernandes is suspended against Aston Villa.
Asked for an update on whether the trio will be fit for Sunday, Ten Hag said: ‘It’s difficult to say in this moment.
‘I have to talk with the medical and the performance team as they did a programme in Manchester. I have to hear how their progress was and if they can be available for Sunday’s match.’
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