Donny van de Beek has been urged to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford despite playing only a bit-part role this season.
The Dutch midfielder, 24, has started just two games in the Premier League since moving from Ajax to Manchester United for £40million last summer.
His rare involvement has led many figures associated with the club to question why United even bought him.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has insisted van de Beek has a big future ahead of him, but reports continue to link him with the exit door this summer.
However, Ajax’s director of football, Marc Overmars, has sent a clear message to their former academy graduate telling him not to give up so easily.
(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
“I think Donny should just fight, stay next year and try to claim a starting place,” the ex-Arsenal winger told NOS. “You shouldn’t leave so quickly.”
Van de Beek’s last start for United came in the FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Leicester last month – a decision criticised by fans after Solskjaer left Bruno Fernandes on the bench.
Vital contributions from the likes of Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay and Fred have also kept van de Beek on the fringes.
Ajax’s chief executive and ex-United keeper Edwin van der Sar feels it is merely a case of Solskjaer having too many options for behind the lack of available game time. for van de Beek.
“Of course I feel sad for Donny,” van der Sar told ESPN’s Good Morning Eredivisie. “He walked the perfect path before joining United.
“But the midfield of Manchester United is too stacked, they’ve not had any injuries. It’s hard for him.”
Solskjaer has given van de Beek more of a run in some of the cups, totalling 12 starts in all competitions and 32 appearances overall.
And the United boss has hinted there will be more to come eventually.
“He reminds me a lot about myself, when I first came in, that he understands my difficulties and challenges,” said Solskjaer earlier this year.
“I was the same with Sir Alex [Ferguson, former Man Utd head coach]. When he left me out I understood and I was happy for the team to win – and Donny is that type of guy.
“He knows he is important for us and knows he is going to play many games.”
