Man Utd slammed over ‘panic buy’ Donny van de Beek following transfer from Ajax

Manchester United have been criticised over the signing of Donny van de Beek after the Dutchman completed his move to Old Trafford this week.

The 23-year-old has swapped Ajax for life in the Premier League in a £40million deal on Thursday.

His addition further grows the wealth of midfield options at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s disposal.

But Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson feels the deal was unnecessary .

“Donny van de Beek looks like a panic buy at Manchester United,” Merson told The Daily Star. “I don’t get it. They just spent £40m on a position where they are already strong and how does he play with Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes?

“You have to have someone who can play the holding role.

“That signing looked to me like: ‘Oh we haven’t bought anyone yet, let’s go and buy someone, who can we get?'”

Van de Beek joins up with the United squad who already have a congested midfield.

Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay, Nemanja Matic and Fred are among the players vying for places in the middle of the park.

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But former United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar believes the former Ajax star will prove to be a hit at Old Trafford.

In an open letter to United, the ex-Red Devils no.1 wrote: “Like you, we pride ourselves on being one of the best at developing talent and giving young players a shot at the highest level. You could say your new star is the embodiment of that pride.

How do you think van de Beek will fare at United? Have your say below.

“That’s one of the many reasons we don’t like to see him leave, but we understand it’s time for him to move on. To dream on.

“And where better to do so than in your theatre. Trust me, I know. Please take good care of Donny, and help him dream.”

Van de Beek could now make his debut in United’s opening Premier League fixture of 2020/21 against Crystal Palace on September 19.

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