Edwin van der Sar's heartfelt open letter to Manchester United supporters following Donny van de Beek's summer move is a tough read, one year on.
Since penning a five-year deal to join Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side from boyhood club Ajax, the Dutch midfielder has struggled for first-team opportunities.
In fact, the 24-year-old has played just five minutes of Premier League football so far this season; a substitute appearance in their 4-1 win against Newcastle on September 11.
Van de Beek, who is believed to be seeking assurances from the club, cuts a frustrated figure on the Old Trafford bench at times but when he first joined last year, many expected him to play far more regularly.
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One person who was eager for the Dutchman to blossom at United was former goalkeeper and Ajax chief executive Edwin van der Sar.
In a letter to fans, he expressed his sadness that Van de Beek was leaving but recognised that the Reds were the next step in his journey.
The letter reads:
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"Dear Manchester United fans," he wrote. "I hope you're doing well.
"It seems our paths have crossed again. One of ours is joining you this season. And like so many players before him, he's been with us since he was just a little boy.
"Shortly after his debut, he became one of our best. Especially the last couple of years were amazing. From the Europa League final (no hard feelings) to our Champions League run and winning the Dutch championship.
"The team he was part of showed the world who we are and what Ajax stands for.
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"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.
"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 our Donny, and help him dream.
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"Enjoy the future,
"Edwin van der Sar, CEO, AFC Ajax"
After notching 10 goals and 11 assists in 37 games for Ajax during the 2019/20 campaign, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was delighted to seal the transfer of Van de Beek.
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"Donny has all of the technical attributes needed to perform in this team and has the personality required to succeed at Manchester United," he told the club's official website.
"His ability to see space, time his movements and read the game will really complement the qualities that we have in midfield and his arrival really strengthens the depth of talent we have in that position.
"Donny's performances in the Eredivisie and in Europe have been excellent over the last few years and we are all looking forward to working with him."
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Donny van de Beek, Football, Manchester United, Premier League, Edwin Van Der Sar
