Donny van de Beek comments about Manchester United show why he deserves transfer

Following a highly successful 2019/20 season at Ajax, scoring 10 goals and claiming 11 assists in all competitions, Manchester United's decision to part with an initial fee of £35million in exchange for Donny van de Beek seemed like a good one.

At just 23 at the time, the Dutchman was considered an up-and-coming talent with a point to prove on the biggest stage.

Capable of doing a little bit of everything in midfield — not least the ability to break the lines and offer a helping hand in the final third — Van de Beek was displaying all of the hallmarks of a modern-day midfielder.

It was a signing to excite the supporters and the forecast suggested that the only was was up for the Dutchman, not the least in the eyes of Van de Beek himself.

Speaking for the first time as a United player in September 2020, he said: "I am now ready to take the next step in my career and perform at the highest level and there is no higher standard than Manchester United.

"Everyone has told me how amazing the Old Trafford atmosphere is and I am looking forward to experiencing that, once it is safe for the fans to return. This team has some of the best midfielders in the world and I know that I can learn from them and also bring my own strengths to the group.

"Having spoken to the manager [Ole Gunnar Solskjaer] about his vision for this team, the direction that the club is going in is hugely exciting and I cannot wait to be a part of that."

Van de Beek's last nine words there did not prove prophetic. He's never really had the chance to stamp his mark on the club's midfield.

He has been restricted to just 50 appearances in all competitions since his arrival at the club, not started a Premier League game since the final day of last season,