Manchester United have had a quiet transfer window so far in terms of incoming players, but when it comes to speculation surrounding outgoings, the club has been caught in the middle of a media circus.

There have been reports that up to 17 players were rumoured to want out of the club, and Ralf Rangnick could be on his way to offloading one of them.

What's the word?

According to reports from Manchester Evening News, United midfielder Donny Van De Beek has been offered to Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund on a loan deal for the rest of the season.

The 24-year-old has started just four Premier League games since he joined the club from Ajax in 2020, he and doesn't seem to be getting more favourability since the arrival of Rangnick in late November.

Fabrizio Romano also weighed in on the Van De Beek situation at the club late on Thursday night tweeting:"Donny van de Beek situation. No decision made yet by Manchester United on his potential loan elsewhere, nothing communicated to player/agent. Ralf Rangnick still wants Donny to stay until the end of the season. #MUFC"

"No direct contacts with Borussia Dortmund as of now."

Rangnick could make a huge mistake

Despite Romano's comments about Rangnick wanting the midfielder to stay until the end of the season, if there is truth in the club offering out the player on loan to Newcastle and Dortmund, this could be a step in the wrong direction for the German coach.

Indeed, a number of United fans were raging earlier this week over the lack of game-time that Van de Beek has been afforded by the interim manager.

Before the Dutchman joined Man United in 2020, Erik ten Hag was getting the very best out of him at Ajax, with the player netting moved to the Premier League. However, he has been unable to emulate that success and get a good run of form going at Old Trafford because of the inconsistent game-time he has been given at his current club, with only two goals and two assists in 1,835 minutes of football over the last 16 months.

Going on loan to play more regularly would obviously benefit Van De Beek massively, but with the Champions League knockout rounds, FA Cup games and Premier League fixtures on United's agenda, you would expect that Rangnick would want to keep as many midfield options as possible, as his 4-2-2-2 formation is heavily reliant in how they play. Therefore, it could be a big mistake for the German coach to let Van de Beek go this month, and it would likely not go down well with many of the Old Trafford faithful.

In other news: Rangnick could sign this gem as an upgrade on Wan-Bissaka