Dimitar Berbatov has hit the nail on the head by declaring Donny van de Beek will be able to play with "freedom" when he reunites with Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
Van de Beek, 25, is yet to hit his stride at Old Trafford since his £35million arrival nearly two years ago and is spending the second half of this season on loan at Everton. However, he was handed a major boost earlier in April as United announced Ten Hag would take over this summer as their next permanent manager.
The two Dutchmen combined to fantastic effect at Ajax for two-and-a-half seasons, winning the Eredivisie-Dutch Cup double in 2019 while also reaching the Champions League semi-finals that year. Many fans suspect Ten Hag's arrival could be the catalyst for Van de Beek to rediscover the majestic performances he produced week in, week out for the Amsterdam giants.
Former Red Devils striker Berbatov is among this number and outlined his hope the Netherlands international can "resurrect his career" under his compatriot. "Things haven't worked out so far at United for Donny Van de Beek, he's currently on loan at Everton and he will be back at Old Trafford in the summer," Berbatov told Betfair.
"He will get a chance to show what he can do and he has worked with Ten Hag before at Ajax, which is always a good thing, having that connection is great when you're a player. Let's hope he can resurrect his career at Old Trafford.
"For a player, the relationship with the manager is probably the most important thing. Van de Beek used to work with Ten Hag and he will know that he trusts him on the pitch, he will be free to explore, take chances, make mistakes and not worry about being substituted if he makes a bad pass. When you have that trust you have that freedom on the pitch and it is a great feeling, trust me."
Should Donny van de Beek start for Erik ten Hag's Manchester United next season? Have your say in the comments!
Van de Beek found minutes hard to come by under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick continued to leave him on the bench after succeeding the Norwegian on an interim basis. This led to his loan to Everton on deadline day in the January transfer window but thigh issues have limited him to six appearances for the relegation-threatened Toffees.
The former Ajax academy prospect will return to United at the end of the season and he remains under contract with the club until the summer of 2025. In the meantime, Van de Beek is facing a race to be fit in time for Sunday's Premier League clash against Chelsea.
