Erik ten Hag gives reality check to Donny van de Beek over Manchester United future

Erik ten Hag has told Donny van de Beek he has to prove himself at Manchester United and that their previous relationship at Ajax now counts for nothing.

The midfielder has had a disappointing two years since a £40million move to Old Trafford, starting just four Premier League games in that time and spending the second half of last season on loan at Everton.

He was cast aside by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer not long after he'd signed for the club and then made no impact under Ralf Rangnick either, but there are vacancies in the United midfield following the departures of Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata.

READ MORE: United make decision on Martial's future

The arrival of Ten Hag has also been billed as encouraging for Van de Beek. The midfielder shone under his countryman at Ajax, playing a pivotal role in the side that came within seconds of the Champions League final in 2018/19.

He spent one more year in Amsterdam but has struggled to replicate his Ajax form at United. There was encouragement in a 45-minute run-out against Crystal Palace on Tuesday, but Ten Hag has told Van de Beek that the onus is on him if he's to salvage his career at the club.

"It's the same for every player, he has to do it by himself," said Ten Hag. "Me as a manager and the coaching staff around him can do everything to set the right conditions so he can perform but in the end the player has to do it by himself.

"They have to take responsibility for their performance. Donny has the capability. I have seen it but he has to prove himself."

During United's stay in Melbourne, Ten Hag suggested Van de Beek's best position was getting closer to the opposition box as a more advanced midfielder.

He can operate in a deeper role - and played