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Erik ten Hag blasts Man United for their treatment of former Ajax star

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The Ajax manager criticizes Man United for Donny van de Beek’s lack of progress.

Since his move from Ajax to Manchester United in September 2020, Van de Beek has struggled for form at Manchester United. 

The Dutch midfielder established a reputation as one of the most promising young midfielders of Europe at Ajax. However, Man United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was not as impressed by his qualities as Erik ten Hag was.

Van de Beek spent three of his five years at Ajax under Ten Hag. The Dutchman was a key player in Ajax’s midfield as they reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2018-19.

Ten Hag himself is among the top candidates to join Man United as permanent manager. However, with United appointing Ralf Rangnick as interim coach, he still has enough time to criticize his potential future employers. 

The Ajax boss has spoken about Van de Beek’s situation at Old Trafford in a new interview.

“Take Donny. I find that hard, a mortal sin,” he told De Volkskrant.

“If you haven’t had a chance yet, then development will also stall.”

He added: “Everyone understands that as a top athlete you want to push your limits. If you don’t have that mentality, then you don’t belong here.

“But when are you going to do that and at which club? What is your motivation? I try to get that thought process going.”

Van de Beek has featured in 45 games for Man United, scoring two goals and providing two assists. The Netherlands international is yet to make his first Premier League start for the club this season.

Several sources have claimed Van de Beek is eager to leave Man United in January. However, the arrival of Rangnick might provide him with new opportunities at Old Trafford.

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