It was always inevitable that Erik ten Hag would be linked with some of his former Ajax players as he makes the move to Manchester United.
Plenty of past and present names from the Amsterdam giants have been touted for potential moves to Old Trafford. Frenkie de Jong has of course already been identified as a target, while the likes of Jurrien Timber, Antony and Lisandro Martinez have seen their names linked.
Once he arrives at United though, Ten Hag will find he has a dilemma to solve on one of his other former players. So far, it has proven to be an unsolvable case.
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The arrival of Ten Hag had been suggested as something of a saving grace for Donny van de Beek, who has endured a torrid time at Old Trafford thus far. The situation though is far more complicated than that.
Even after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure as manager, Van de Beek couldn’t force his way into United’s midfield – and it’s not as if it was an area where United were excelling. Even his loan to Everton has failed to bear fruits, with the 25-year-old spending much of his time at Goodison Park out injured as the Toffees battle against relegation.
He’ll return to Old Trafford with plenty of question marks over his future. He still has three years left on his deal with United, but as things stand he could be surplus to requirements, particularly with the Reds prioritising new midfielders this summer.
With Ten Hag arriving though, all is not lost for the Netherlands international. After all, Van de Beek earned his move to United off the back of his performances under the former Ajax boss, who has already outlined the solution to his problems.
Ten Hag had his own issues with finding a way to get the best out of Van de Beek in Amsterdam. His original plan had been to play both him and De Jong in the same roles, with two number sixes in his side, but he soon found he would have to change tack.
“This goes to show that plans are just plans, the reality needs to want it as well,” Ten Hag said in an interview back in 2019. “And in reality, Donny is also a player who likes to be on the move. For both Donny and Frenkie it is a strength.
“So Lasse (Schone) fulfilled the role perfectly! And Lasse wouldn’t be the ideal #6 by himself. He really needs a dynamic player with him and they have a click now. Denmark also plays with a double 6 and Lasse does really well for them too.”
Schone’s role in the side was key in bringing out the best in Van de Beek, and goes a long way to explaining his issues at Old Trafford. United’s failure to secure a defensive midfielder last summer was a huge misstep, and one that needs to be rectified this time around.
They’ve already made efforts in their pursuit of Kalvin Phillips, who could provide the solution. If United are able to bring in the Leeds midfielder, it could provide a new lease of life for Van de Beek.
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