VAN DE SCHOLES

Van der Sar says Reds’ £40m buy plays in similar way to legend Paul

DONNY VAN DE BEEK has been compared to Old Trafford legend Paul Scholes – by the man who helped secure his move to Manchester United.

Former United keeper Edwin van der Sar played a key role in Van de Beek’s £40million move from Ajax, in his role as the Dutch club’s chief executive.

Van der Sar spent six years at United, playing alongside Scholes during that spell, and reckons Van de Beek (above, left) is similar in style to the former England star (above, right).

Scholes, now 45, made 718 appearances for United, scoring 155 goals, and is recognised as one of the greatest players to pull on the famous red shirt.

Van de Beek is set to make hi s Unit ed debut tomorrow i n their opening Premier League game of the season at home to Crystal Palace.

Although wary of putting too much pressure on the 23-year-old, Van der Sar (inset) could not resist likening him to Scholes, a comparison that will excite United fans. “He can play in different positions in midfield,” said Van der Sar.

“He can be a six or an eight or a 10 – he has a great eye for a 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 to 40 yards out.

“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, 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.

“I presume he’s had a talk with Ole and they ’ve talked about different positions. He’s multi-functional, he can play a little bit deeper which I think is his preferred role.

“Of course, we know United already have a couple of great midfield players there, so he’ll find his way in the team. “Also, Also, with w the amount of games that top clubs need to play this ye year in the Premier League, C Champions League and cup matches, everything is quite intense.

“So you need a good, wide squad and I think the midfield looks OK at the moment for United.”

Van de Beek was part of the Ajax side that won the Dutch double in 2019, as well as reaching the Champions League semi-finals, where they lost to Tottenham.

He came through the youth ranks at Ajax and emerged as one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe in recent seasons.

“For our players you work hard for five or six years in the academy and you try to get your chance,” Van der Sar told MUTV.

“The moment he got it, he took it and he became an important member of our team, scoring amazing goals and he was extremely popular with the fans.”