Donny van de Beek became Manchester United’s first summer signing this week.The 23-year-old midfielder completed his £40 million move from Ajax and United fans are excited to see him in action later this month.Van de Beek is expected to go straight into United’s starting line-up alongside Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes, and should make his debut against Crystal Palace on September 19."Donny has all of the technical attributes needed to perform in this team and has the personality required to succeed at Manchester United,” United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said."His ability to see space, time his movements and read the game will really complement the qualities that we have in midfield and his arrival really strengthens the depth of talent we have in that position."The deal was concluded so swiftly thanks to the excellent relationship that exists between United and Ajax.Ajax’s chief executive officer is United legend Edwin van der Sar, who posted the following tweet after the transfer was finalised…
Van der Sar has also written a classy open letter to United fans…
“Dear Manchester United fans, I hope you’re doing well,” the letter begins.
“It seems our paths have crossed again. One of ours is joining you this season. And like so many players before him, he’s been with us since he was just a little boy.
“Shortly after his debut, he became one of our best. Especially the last couple of years were amazing. From the Europa League final (no hard feelings) to our Champions League run and winning the Dutch championship.
“The team he was part of showed the world who we are and what Ajax stand for.
“Like you, we pride ourselves on being one of the best at developing talent and giving young players a shot at the highest level. You could say your new star is the embodiment of that pride.
“That’s one of the many reasons we don’t like to see him leave, but we understand it’s time for him to move on. To dream on.
“And where better to do so than in your theatre. Trust me, i know.
“Please take good care of Donny, and help him dream.
“Enjoy the future.”
That’s superb from Van der Sar.
United fans love the retired goalkeeper even more now, judging by some of the early reaction to the open letter…
In his first interview with United’s official website, Van de Beek admitted Van der Sar had played a role in his decision to join the Red Devils.
“I talked with him and he told me a lot of stories about the club and about everything,” Van de Beek said. “He told how big the club is and how nice an experience he had with it.”