Manchester United seems to be facing stiff competition from the likes of European giants Barcelona and Bayern Munich in their bid to land Dutch sensation Donny van de Beek, as per reports. Yes, the 20-year-old is one of the rare summer targets who is in United’s list despite not being a mega star across Europe.
The AFC Ajax academy product has just started to make a name for him at the club this season with some flashes of brilliance in the top tier Dutch league. He has become a fan favourite quite fast with many touting him to be Netherland’s next big thing in the middle of the park.
Manchester United’s grand plans to rebuild their squad seems to continue this summer transfer season too as Jose Mourinho is reportedly all set to get a whopping £200 million in his war chest for the transfer window. The Red Devils have endured a fruitless season so far with EFL Cup as the only achievement, which is nothing compared to the £150 million shopping that new boss did immediately after taking charge at the club.
The Red Devils now sit in the fifth position in the league table collecting just 60 points from 31 games. There are numerous fissures in the United squad with all three positions- defence, attack and attack needing immediate improvement over the existing players. And among the most criticised position has been that of Paul Pogba.
The Frenchman came riding at the back of a world record £89 million transfer fee from Juventus and hasn’t been at his very best. While many point to his inability to hold the ball under immense pressure, Mourinho identifies the problem as the lack of a good partner alongside him in the midfield.
The Ajax starlet is seen by Mourinho as the perfect fit now and United have been an admirer of the player even before Mourinho and Pogba. Former United manager Louis van Gaal took a keen interest in the player and it was he who suggested Beek’s name at the club.
Van de Beek has scored six goals in his 15 Eredivisie outings this season and Ajax are well aware of the huge interest the player has attracted from across the continent. A central midfielder by nature, Van de Beek can play equally well on the offence as well as on the defence.
His contract with the Dutch giants is not expiring before 2020, and it goes without saying that they will be demanding a big fee from United for selling their prized asset.
