Incoming Manchester United signing Donny van de Beek has been warned he will have to earn his place at Old Trafford following his move from Ajax.
The Dutch midfielder emerged as a target for United this week, with the Reds pressing ahead on a £40m deal after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made him a prime target.
A move has quickly progressed in the last few days, with the player even sitting out of training with the Netherlands to finalise the last parts of the move.
He will arrive at Manchester United with a growing reputation, having starred for Ajax in the Eredivisie and during their run to the Champions League semi-final in 2019.
That though does not mean he will be guaranteed a starring role at United, who already have the likes of Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes competing for a spot in their midfield.
And that is very much the tone for Volkskrant, who, when covering the transfer today, warn the 23-year-old to expect a fight, especially as Old Trafford has been ‘‘a graveyard’’ for footballers in recent years.
“And again an Ajax player goes to a top international club for a hefty transfer fee,” they said.
“The transfer of Donny van de Beek to Manchester United for 40 million euros almost makes Ajax’s coffers overflow.
“The status of the 23-year-old attacking midfielder grew mainly because of his five goals in the Champions League. At Ajax, he was one of the three most important field players last season.
“Yet that offers few guarantees. It does not seem to be easy for Van de Beek in advance. Manchester United has been a graveyard for football careers in recent years.
“That is where the problem lies for Van de Beek. Fernandes is also an attacking midfielder. Van de Beek can also play further back but will then have to compete with world champion Paul Pogba and undisputed controller Nemanja Matic.
“In England, it is expected the Dutchman will not just be a basic player. Van de Beek may also have star appeal.”
