EDWIN VAN DER SAR has likened Manchester United new boy Donny van de Beek to club legend Paul Scholes.
The Dutch midfielder, 23, joined Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side at the start of the month in a £39million switch from Ajax.
The 23-year-old has penned a five-year deal with the Red DevilsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Former United No1 Van der Sar, now an Ajax exec, can see similarities between van de Beek and Old Trafford legend Scholes.
Asked what United can expect from Van de Beek, the ex-keeper told MUTV Group Chat: “He can play in different positions in midfield.
“He can be a six or an eight or a 10, he has a great eye for goal. His technique is brilliant, he can go box to box.
“I’d compare him a little bit to Scholesy, although Scholesy had a cracker of a shot from 30/40 yards out and that’s not Donny’s strength, but he likes to come into the box and chip in with goals.
“Maybe it’s unfair to compare him to Scholesy actually, but he;’s a good lad and I’m sure he’ll be a great addition to the team that Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] is creating for United.
“I presume he’s had a talk with Ole and they’ve talked about different positions [he can play].
“He’s multi-functional, he can play a little bit deeper which I think is his preferred role.”
Van der Sar worked closely with van de Beek at Ajax before his switch to Old Trafford.
Paul Scholes made 718 appearances dring his career with UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Holland international proved his potential as he scored 27 times in the past two seasons.
And he made an impressive start for United in the friendly against Aston Villa on Saturday.
United lost the match 1-0, but the new summer signing played the full 90 minutes.
After the match, Solskjaer said: “Donny was maybe the biggest plus outfield.”
Edwin van der Sar made 313 Premier League appearances during is playing career Credit: PA:Press Association
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
