Midfielder Donny van de Beek has suggested that he has struggled to make his mark at Manchester United because of the managers that preceded Erik ten Hag.
Van de Beek joined United almost two years ago from Ajax and has racked up just 50 competitive appearances for the club. He struggled to force his way into the plans of former United bosses Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick, meaning being reunited with Ten Hag at Old Trafford is being considered as his saving grace.
He was sent out on loan last season, joining Everton on a short-term deal in January, after making just 14 appearances between the start of the season and the end of the January transfer window. He has struggled for any kind of consistency since arriving in England.
READ MORE: Donny van de Beek makes honest admission about his Manchester United role under Erik ten Hag
However, the Dutchman is aiming to get his career back on track this forthcoming campaign after being reunited with Ten Hag, with whom he worked with at Ajax. Van de Beek has not started any of United's opening three pre-season friendlies, but has stepped off the bench at half-time in each of them.
His best performance in pre-season so far came during Tuesday's 3-1 win over Crystal Palace, in which he climbed off the bench to grab an assist within minutes of his introduction, setting up Marcus Rashford for the Reds' second goal. And for Van de Beek, he has suggested that his United career has yet to get going because of previous managers overlooking him.
Van de Beek said: "Of course you think a lot about football, but you have to stay yourself and never change as a player. It also depends on which manager is in the club and which kind of players he likes.
"I just do my best and I have to push every day. Everyone can improve, me as well, so I am always looking at how I can improve."
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