Manchester United have finally announced Erik ten Hag as their new manager – to the delight of Donny van de Beek.
Ten Hag’s appointment comes after a long, drawn-out hunt for a boss to take over from Ralf Rangnick at the end of the season. The Dutchman signed a contract that runs until June 2025, with an option of adding an extra year.
United fans will surely feel a mixture of relief and excitement at finally getting their preferred choice. However, none of them will be as happy as Donny van de Beek.
According to the Daily Mail, the current Everton loanee liked Ajax’s Instagram post that confirmed Ten Hag’s exit from the Dutch side. It is safe to say that Van de Beek is looking forward to working under his former manager once again.
Struggles in Manchester
Following his £35 million transfer from Ajax to Man United, the Dutch midfielder struggled to find his feet in England. He made just 19 league appearances in his first season, with 15 of them coming off the bench.
His use as mostly a substitute carried over into cup competitions too. As a result, Van de Beek finished the 20/21 season with just one goal and two assists for Man United.
His second season has been even worse. Out of favour under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Van de Beek only played eight times for United – all as a substitute. When current manager Ralf Rangnick arrived, the German shipped the midfielder out on loan to Everton.
Although he has started five out of six games for Everton since his arrival, it has not been plain sailing. The Toffees are in a relegation scrap, making every game a battle.
All in all, Van de Beek’s contribution in England has been a far cry from the talent he showed at Ajax. He is likely relieved to be reunited with Erik ten Hag.
Van de Beek and Ten Hag: Reunited
The pair worked together at Ajax, achieving great success in the Dutch capital. Ten Hag utilised Donny van de Beek in a more attacking midfield role – a position that helped him flourish.
After Ten Hag’s arrival in December 2017, Van de Beek featured in every single league game under the Dutchman. His standout season was 2018/2019, where the midfielder tallied nine goals and ten assists in the Eredivisie.
During that 18/19 season, Van de Beek was instrumental to Ajax’s success. The Amsterdam side achieved the league and cup double in the Netherlands whilst reaching the Champions League semi-finals too.
Now that the pair are working on the same team again, Van de Beek will hope that he can return to the first team at Old Trafford. Fabrizio Romano said on his YouTube channel that Erik ten Hag would speak to the Dutchman to decide on his future.
Man United’s appointment may make Van de Beek want to stay after all.
Featured image credit: Getty
