Erik ten Hag's potential arrival at Manchester United will be music to the ears of Donny van de Beek. Currently exiled from the club at Everton, Van de Beek has failed to make an impact since arriving in England. Although he joined in 2020, the Dutchman has remarkably only made 50 appearances at United.
In comparison to his first club, Ajax, the difference is night and day. In 175 games for the Dutch giants, Van de Beek scored 41 goals and made 34 assists.
During his time in Amsterdam, Van de Beek played mainly as a number 10 creating chances and scoring plenty as well. However, as the 24-year-old eluded to in an interview with Rio Ferdinand, he can play across the midfield.
"Of course, at the end I was playing number ten, but I also played a few games number six. I can play this role," he explained.
"That's really difficult to say [what my best position is]. That depends on how you play as a team. For how we play, I think the best position for me is a number six or eight."
Ten Hag's intricate possession-based football could be the key to unlocking Van de Beek's true potential. It is not surprising therefore that he has not achieved success with any of his previous managers at the Theatre of Dreams.
Manchester Evening News understands that the Reds are favouring bringing Ten Hag to Old Trafford ahead of the new season. United are currently under the interim charge of Ralf Rangnick but would still be looking to confirm their new manager before the end of the campaign.
Van de Beek has lacked chances since joining United and this has led to him underperforming when he has taken to the field. While in the Netherlands, former striker Pierre van Hooijdonk credited Ten Hag for instilling confidence in the younger Ajax players like Van de Beek.
He told NOS via Planet Football in May 2019: "What he is managing to do with such young players is remarkable. The likes of [Matthijs] De Ligt, [Frenkie] De Jong and Van de Beek have only just come out of the academy and are already playing like veterans.
"Ten Hag deserves huge credit."
The former Ajax boss has also praised the 24-year-old in the past. Speaking to Marca when it looked like Van de Beek could join Real Madrid in August 2019, Ten Hag said: "We will do everything in our power to keep him at Ajax.
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"We don’t want to lose him, but when clubs of that calibre enter the situation, things get very difficult. Donny was very important for us last season and has started this campaign with enthusiasm, freshness and lots of energy, his departure would be a loss, but we know it can happen."
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