Donny van de Beek reveals why he was so keen to join Manchester United

The 23-year-old has joined from Ajax in a deal worth an intial £34m

Donny van de Beek says he is hugely excited at joining Manchester United after being sold by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s vision for the club.

The Red Devils have made the 23-year-old their first signing of the summer in a £34.1million deal that could rise to £38.5m.

Van de Beek starred in Ajax’s run to the Champions League semi-finals a year ago and registered 10 goals and 11 assists before the Eredivisie was curtailed by coronavirus.

He reveals he has already spoken to his new boss about how he sees the club going forward and cannot wait to be a part of it.

“I cannot begin to explain how incredible an opportunity it is to join a club with such an amazing history,” he told the club’s official website. “I would like to thank everyone at Ajax. I grew up there and I will always have a special bond with the club.

“I am now ready to take the next step in my career and perform at the highest level and there is no higher standard than Manchester United.

“Everyone has told me how amazing the Old Trafford atmosphere is and I am looking forward to experiencing that, once it is safe for the fans to return.

“This team has some of the best midfielders in the world and I know that I can learn from them and also bring my own strengths to the group.

“Having spoken to the manager about his vision for this team, the direction that the club is going in is hugely exciting and I cannot wait to be a part of that.”

Solskjaer is delighted to get his man.

“Donny has all of the technical attributes needed to perform in this team and has the personality required to succeed at Manchester United,” he added.

“His ability to see space, time his movements and read the game will really complement the qualities that we have in midfield and his arrival really strengthens the depth of talent we have in that position.

“Donny’s performances in the Eredivisie and in Europe have been excellent over the last few years and we are all looking forward to working with him.”