Dimitar Berbatov has backed Erik ten Hag to salvage ’s career.
The Netherlands international played a pivotal role in ’s spectacular run to the semi-finals three years ago but his career has stalled dramatically.
After a dream move to Real Madrid fell through at the last minute, Van de Beek was forced to wait a further 12 months before completing a £35million transfer to United.
The 25-year-old, however, struggled to win the faith of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and was effectively deemed surplus to requirements by the Norwegian, despite a chronic lack of creativity in United’s engine room.
Van de Beek fared little better under Ralf Rangnick and was loaned out to Everton in January, but an injury has limited him to just six appearances for Frank Lampard’s relegation threatened side.
The goalscoring midfielder is, however, expected to return to his parent club in the summer and former United striker Berbatov believes the appointment of Ten Hag could prove just the boost Van de Beek requires to salvage his career.
The said: ‘Things haven’t worked out so far at United for Donny Van de Beek, he’s currently on loan at Everton and he will be back at Old Trafford in the summer.
‘He will get a chance to show what he can do and he has worked with Ten Hag before at Ajax, which is always a good thing, having that connection is great when you’re a player. Let’s hope he can resurrect his career at Old Trafford.
‘For a player, the relationship with the manager is probably the most important thing. Van de Beek used to work with Ten Hag and he will know that he trusts him on the pitch, he will be free to explore, take chances, make mistakes and not worry about being substituted if he makes a bad pass.
‘When you have that trust you have that freedom on the pitch and it is a great feeling, trust me.’
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