Donny van de Beek has said that not “everything was bad” during his first couple of seasons as a Manchester United player and is now looking to prove his worth at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman signed for the club ahead of the 2020/21 season in a £35m switch from Eredivisie giants Ajax. The move has not gone quite as envisaged though with just 15 starts in his first campaign as a Red Devil.
Opportunities were even more at a premium last term, with Van De Beek then choosing to join Everton on-loan for the second-half of the campaign in an effort to earn more first team football. The 25-year-old made even less of an impact at Goodison Park with injury limiting his contributions.
Now back at Man Utd, the midfielder insists that his career in England has not been as bad as perceived and is determined to display exactly why he was brought to the club in the first place.
Speaking after the Red Devils’ pre-season victory over Crystal Palace, he said: “I don’t think everything was bad, I think I also showed a few good moments but just again I will never change as a player.
“You can improve things, but you never have to change and I will not do that. Every player has his own qualities, me as well, and that's it."
Should Van de Beek be kept around at Man Utd this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Van De Beek certainly has the perfect opportunity to prove himself at Old Trafford during the upcoming season with Erik ten Hag now in charge. The duo struck up a great understanding at Ajax ahead of the midfielder’s decision to leave for Old Trafford.
Whilst he himself has recognised the narrative that Ten Hag’s presence could potentially benefit him going forwards, he has vowed to earn his chance with his displays rather than being handed the opportunity given his history.
He continued: "Of course everyone was saying that because I worked with him at Ajax, but, in the end, you have to play good from yourself and it doesn't make any sense who is the coach.
"You have to find your role in the team and, of course, he knows me as a player, but that means nothing. I have to show it for myself."
Van de Beek has already been given a few opportunities to impress during Man Utd’s pre-season trip to Asia and Australia. He has made three substitute appearances as Ten Hag has led the Red Devils to three consecutive wins over Liverpool, Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace.
Their pre-season schedule continues with further friendlies against Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano before they start their Premier League season against Brighton & Hove Albion on August 7.
