Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals what Donny van de Beek will bring to Manchester United

The 23-year-old has joined from Ajax in a deal worth £40m and has penned a five-year contract with the option of a further year

Ben Burrows
Wednesday 02 September 2020 17:36 BST
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Manchester United have a lot of work left to do, says Solskjaer

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Donny van de Beek has “all of the technical attributes” to prove a big success at Manchester United.

The 23-year-old has joined from Ajax in a deal worth £40m and has penned a five-year contract with the option of a further year.

He is Solskjaer’s first signing of what could prove a busy window and the boss is delighted to get his man.

“Donny has all of the technical attributes needed to perform in this team and has the personality required to succeed at Manchester United,” he told the club’s official website.

“His ability to see space, time his movements and read the game will really complement the qualities that we have in midfield and his arrival really strengthens the depth of talent we have in that position.

“Donny’s performances in the Eredivisie and in Europe have been excellent over the last few years and we are all looking forward to working with him.”

Van de Beek starred in Ajax’s run to the Champions League semi-finals a year ago.

He registered 10 goals and 11 assists before the Eredivisie was curtailed by coronavirus and he is eager to show English football what he can do.

“I cannot begin to explain how incredible an opportunity it is to join a club with such an amazing history,” he added.

“I would like to thank everyone at Ajax. I grew up there and I will always have a special bond with the club.

“I am now ready to take the next step in my career and perform at the highest level and there is no higher standard than Manchester United.

“Everyone has told me how amazing the Old Trafford atmosphere is and I am looking forward to experiencing that, once it is safe for the fans to return.

“This team has some of the best midfielders in the world and I know that I can learn from them and also bring my own strengths to the group.

“Having spoken to the manager about his vision for this team, the direction that the club is going in is hugely exciting and I cannot wait to be a part of that.”

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