Robin Van Persie Sends Warning Message To Donny Van De Beek Ahead Of Manchester United Transfer
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Robin van Persie has warned Donny van de Beek that he will need to "mentally adjust" to being at a huge club like Manchester United, as he prepares for life in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old is on the verge of becoming Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first signing of the summer after a £40 million deal was agreed between Ajax and United earlier this week.
Van de Beek, who scored 10 goals in 36 appearances in all competitions last season, has already completed his medical, according to Fabrizio Romano, and has penned a long-term contract at Old Trafford until June 2025.
The Dutch international, a classic box-to-box midfielder, will be competing for a first-team spot against the likes of Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes, Fred and Paul Pogba, to name just a few.
And former striker Van Persie believes his fellow countryman will have to adjust accordingly after joining a "beast" of a team like Manchester United.
"Donny van de Beek is 23 years old and that is a nice age to make a transfer to the Premier League," Van Persie told De Telegraaf.
"I was a bit younger when I went to Arsenal, and in the locker room, I was considered a player for the future. Winning the UEFA Cup with Feyenoord meant nothing. The Premier League is a completely different world.
"Donny will be brought in as a major purchase from Manchester United, but he will discover that those other 22 players have also been brought in as a 'major purchase'. One had an even bigger transfer than the other.
"It means that he has to stand there right away and he has to mentally adjust to that. Because Manchester United is in every way a beast of a club."
Van Persie has, however, backed Van de Beek to face those challenges head on and succeed.
"Physically I don't foresee any problems for Donny. His walking actions are his biggest weapon," Van Persie continued.
"He is also able to play sixty games a year. Easy games just aren't there anymore. Especially against Fulham or Crystal Palace, you have to play the most. At every duel, even at every throw, those opponents pound on you.
"He has the advantage that he has gained a lot of experience in the last two seasons in Europe. The year in which Ajax reached the semi-finals of the Champions League was his big breakthrough."
Van de Beek was close to signing for Real Madrid earlier this month, according to reports, but it appears United have got their man as they try and challenge for the Premier League title.
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