Pranav Nair
Van der Vaart urges Donny van de Beek to call it quits at Manchester United
Speaking to ESPN Netherlands, former Dutch star Rafael Van der Vaart has urged Donny van de Beek to rethink his future at Manchester United.
The 24-year-old was United’s marquee signing last summer and arrived at Old Trafford after a successful spell at Ajax Amsterdam. He got off to an excellent start by scoring on his debut but has struggled since.
Van de Beek ended the season as an unused substitute as United lost to Villarreal on penalties in the Europa League final. In all, he made 36 appearances all season, of which just 21 came off the bench. (h/t Transfermarkt)
One of the best players in the Eredivisie, his arrival at United was met with much fanfare. Van der Vaart believes this is because the midfielder is an ill-fit for the United system.
“He fitted perfectly into the Ajax system, but he doesn’t fit at United.”
Whether it is the system or it is the manager, Van de Beek has only had fleeting moments of brilliance in a United shirt. Van der Vaart has also encouraged him to seek better pastures new if he can find it.
“If you have the opportunity to go to a team that suits you better and it’s an attractive team, I would definitely go for that.”
A bridge too far!
Van der Vaart goes on to add that a move to United appears to be a bridge too far for his Dutch comrade. He believes the 24-year-old would have thrived had he moved to another club such as Borussia Dortmund.
“A club like Borussia Dortmund would have been a better step for him. Manchester United is perhaps a step too high for him.”
The player, for his part, is considering his options. He is set to have showdown talks with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer regarding his future at the club.
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As someone who succeeded in the Premier League, Van der Vaart has a good idea of what it takes to follow in his footsteps. Whether Van de Beek will do that at United or seek a new challenge elsewhere remains to be seen.
