Ziyech's prediction for Man Utd star still rings true amid Ten Hag uncertainty
Hakim Ziyech warned Manchester United 's Donny van de Beek would need time to make his mark in the Premier League - with the Dutchman now seemingly on his way out of Old Trafford.
The Dutchman made a £40m switch from Amsterdam to Old Trafford in the summer of 2020 but has long struggled to establish himself. Despite scoring on his debut against Crystal Palace, Van de Beek has been limited to a squad role, often unable to find a spot in the team despite his versatility.
Van de Beek played as a No 9 and a playmaker during his time at Ajax, helping them reach the last four of the Champions League. In Manchester though he's continuously been overlooked - a trend that has continued under several different managers.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer signed the 26-year-old and urged him to be patient as he became accustomed to a spot on the bench. Ziyech had assured his former team-mate that he would eventually be able to show his quality - but that has not been the case.
He said previously: "We spoke in the beginning when he moved to Manchester. And last week we didn’t speak a lot, we didn’t speak about his situation. I think he will need time as well. He comes from a different country, a different style of play. I know for sure it will take some time for him as well to get used to everything and then I know for sure he will bring quality to the squad over there. For him the most important thing right now is to stay calm."
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Van de Beek has just finished his third season at United and in that time has enjoyed just six Premier League starts. That did include a stint away on loan at Everton, but he remains very much on the outside of the first-team picture. He had looked set to be given a boost when Ten Hag arrived at Old Trafford.
The now United boss had made good use of a young Van de Beek in Amsterdam and spoke positively about a reunion: "We had a fantastic squad in that time at Ajax. I really had a good relationship with him. Of course I am looking forward to meeting him again on the pitch."
Despite those words of encouragement Van de Beek's minutes have continued to be limited. Bruno Fernandes is favoured in the No 10 role whilst Ten Hag has settled on a midfield trio. It meant the Dutchman started just twice in the league, making a further five outings as a sub.
Ten Hag has now been far more damning about his compatriot's chances, confessing his first team chances were pretty bleak. He said last November: "It’s either he fights and proves himself in this environment or he goes, but for me, there is still a way for him, but it’s not going to be easy for him because the competition there is really strong."
Van de Beek could yet be moved on this summer with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen preferred to him. Mason Mount's arrival for more than £50m further sees the Dutchman fall down the pecking order.
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