Manchester United encouraged to move for Van de Beek

Ronald de Boer has indicated that Manchester United could win the race to sign Donny van de Beek from Ajax.

De Boer has played over 200 matches for Ajax in his career, and was capped 67 times as the Dutch international. He currently works as an assistant manager at Ajax A1, the club’s highest-level youth setup.

And speaking to German outlet Bild, the 50-year-old said he could understand Van de Beek if he decided to go to Manchester United, if Real Madrid choose not to pursue their interest further. He admitted that such clubs asking for a player could make that player’s heart beat faster.

Van de Beek is a midfielder who prefers playing closer to the attacking line, though he can do quite well in a deeper role too if required. Real Madrid have reportedly been interested in his services since last summer, as a potential alternative to United’s Paul Pogba, and de Boer believes he could actually replace the Frenchman at Old Trafford.