MANCHESTER UNITED HAVE completed the signing of Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men have made the 23-year-old their first signing of the summer in what is understood to be a €40 million (£35m) deal that could rise to €44m (£38.5m).

Van De Beek played an important role in Ajax’s thrilling run to last year’s Champions League semi-finals and has signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford with the option of a further season.

He was previously a target for Real Madrid and chipped in with 10 goals and 11 assists in 37 games before the Eredivisie was cut short last season. 

“I cannot begin to explain how incredible an opportunity it is to join a club with such an amazing history,” Van de Beek said.

“I would like to thank everyone at Ajax. I grew up there and I will always have a special bond with the club.

“I am now ready to take the next step in my career and perform at the highest level and there is no higher standard than Manchester United.

“Everyone has told me how amazing the Old Trafford atmosphere is and I am looking forward to experiencing that, once it is safe for the fans to return.

This team has some of the best midfielders in the world and I know that I can learn from them and also bring my own strengths to the group.

“Having spoken to the manager about his vision for this team, the direction that the club is going in is hugely exciting and I cannot wait to be a part of that.”

Solskjaer added: “Donny has all of the technical attributes needed to perform in this team and has the personality required to succeed at Manchester United.

“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.”

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