Ajax manager Erik ten Hag has previously described Donny van de Beek's lack of progress at Manchester United as a "mortal sin," amid United's interest in him becoming the club's next manager.
Ten Hag, along with Paris Saint-Germain head coach Mauricio Pochettino, has been installed as one of the frontrunners to become the club's next permanent manager ahead of the start of next season.
Following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer back in November, United confirmed that they would be appointing an interim boss until the end of the season, but Ten Hag's name was one that immediately entered the frame, with a large portion of Reds supporters keen to see the club turn to the Ajax chief.
Ten Hag has overseen an outstanding job at the Johan Cruyff Arena since landing the job in 2017, with the club's run to the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019 towards the top of his achievements list.
United midfielder Van de Beek, of course, played a key role in that run, scoring three goals and claiming two assists in what was a hugely successful 2018/19 campaign for the Netherlands international.
His performances for Ajax, of course, earned him a big-money move to Old Trafford in September 2020. However, his time at United has not gone according to plan, with him being restricted to just 50 appearances in all competitions. Both Ralf Rangnick and Solskjaer have overlooked Van de Beek, meaning his only hope of resurrecting his United career could be if Ten Hag lands the job this summer.
Amid ongoing links with United, Ten Hag, who is understood to still be in contact with his fellow countryman, has previously Van de Beek's United woes.
Ten Hag, speaking last month, told de Volkskrant : "Donny, I find that hard. [It's a] mortal sin.
"If you haven't had a chance yet, then development will also stall. Every now and then you encourage them."
Therefore, it is clear that Ten Hag has been surprised by the former Ajax midfielder's lack of opportunities in United colours, suggesting that he could be the man to get his career back on track and show the Premier League his true qualities.
Van de Beek has played just 14 times in all competitions this season and has not started a game in the league since last May, highlighting the difficulties he has been faced with.
However, if United were to lure Ten Hag to Old Trafford, it could be the saving grace that he has been in need of.
Meanwhile, although the Ajax boss has not directly addressed United's interest in his services, he has admitted that he would like to take on a bigger challenge.
"I think I'm ready for it [the next step]. I would be happy to take up that challenge," Ten Hag added.
"But I'm not chasing it. If it turns out that that step will never come, I will not say that my coaching career has failed.
"But I think I have sufficient competencies to take on that challenge."
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
