Manchester United's Donny van de Beek has taken a significant step in his recovery from a knee injury with the midfielder starting ball work at the club's training ground.

The Dutchman has been absent for the Red Devils since playing in Man United's Premier League win over Bournemouth back on January 3.

Van de Beek sustained a knee injury in the match following a tackle by Marcos Senesi.

The injury ruled the 26-year-old out of the remainder of the season, with Van de Beek having been forced to watch his team-mates over the past five months.

Van de Beek completed a one-on-one ball session at United's Carrington training base as he looks to return to full fitness.

He revealed earlier this month that he was not far away from recovering from the injury, following gym and individual work on the grass.

'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,' Van de Beek had told MUTV.

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

'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.'

The Red Devils triumphed in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle in February, before sealing a place in next season's Champions League by finishing in the Premier League's top four.

Van de Beek will be a spectator again as the club face Man City in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday.

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

Injury has restricted Van de Beek to just 10 appearances this season, with his future at the club likely to be a topic of discussion this summer.