Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov expects Donny van de Beek to be given a new lease of life under Erik ten Hag next season.
The midfielder will be reunited with his former Ajax boss when Ten Hag arrives at Old Trafford this summer. The 52-year-old takes over at the end of the season, having been confirmed as United’s new manager this week.
His appointment could well be good news for Van de Beek, who has struggled at United since making his name under Ten Hag in Amsterdam. The 24-year-old consistently found himself down the pecking order under previous manager Ole Gunar Solskjaer, before being sent out on loan under Ralf Rangnick.
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Van de Beek will spend the rest of the season at Everton before returning to Old Trafford in the summer, where there are questions over his future. Ten Hag will have a decision to make over his former protégé, with Van de Beek's contract running until 2025.
Berbatov believes Ten Hag’s arrival could be just the boost Van de Beek needs to turn his United career around. The former striker feels the midfielder could be given more freedom at Old Trafford next season.
“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,” Berbatov told Betfair. “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.”
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