Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has insisted that Donny van de Beek needs to 'prove himself' to earn a spot in the starting XI this season.
Van de Beek has endured a torrid time since arriving at Old Trafford in summer 2020, making just 50 appearances in all competitions and scoring twice.
He spent the tail end of last season on loan at relegation-threatened Everton, and again failed to impress.
However, Ten Hag's arrival has led to many tipping Van de Beek to turn his fortunes around this campaign. The pair worked together at Ajax, where the midfielder produced the best form of his career so far.
Despite his prior relationship with Van de Beek, Ten Hag has insisted that he will have to earn his spot in the team like everyone else.
"It's the same for every player, he has to do it by himself," he said. "Me as a manager and the coaching staff around him can do everything to set the right conditions so he can perform but in the end the player has to do it by himself.
"They have to take responsibility for their performance. Donny has the capabilities, I have seen it, but he has to prove himself."
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Van de Beek has looked good in pre-season so far, grabbing an assist in United's most recent friendly against Crystal Palace.
United next take on Aston Villa in Perth before facing Atletico Madrid in Norway and Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford.
Source : 90min