TOUCH OF CLASS: Van der Sar pens heartfelt open letter to United as Ajax CEO hands over

Van der Sar is now the CEO at Ajax, Donny van de Beek's former club. [Photo: Courtesy]

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, now the CEO at Donny van de Beek's former club Ajax, has penned a heartfelt letter to Red Devils fans.

Man United completed the signing of Van de Beek on Wednesday for a fee that could rise to Sh6 billion (£39.1million).

United will pay an initial £34.7m for the 23-year-old, who penned a five-year contract with the option of a further 12 months to become Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first recruit ahead of the 2020-21 season.

Van der Sar wants the best for the young midfielder and therefore penned an open letter in Thursday's Manchester Evening News.

"Dear Manchester United fans, I hope you’re doing well," said Van der Sar.

“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 made the world realise who we are and what Ajax stands for.

“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. Enjoy the future,” the former Man United legendary keeper concluded.

Donny van de Beek has joined Manchester United from Ajax. [Photo: Courtesy]

Van de Beek came through the ranks of the Ajax youth system, making his senior debut in 2015.

Having joined Ajax at the age of 11, he scored 41 goals and provided 34 assists in 175 appearances in all competitions and helped them win the Eredivisie title in 2018-19.

The Netherlands midfielder was one of the star performers for Ajax as they embarked upon a memorable run to the semi-finals of the 2018-19 Champions League, having thrashed Spanish giants Real Madrid in the round of 16.

Experienced in European competitions, he also featured in the 2017 Europa League final against Man United.

The Netherlands international contributed 10 goals and 11 assists in 37 games last season before the Eredivisie league was curtailed by the Covid-19 pandemic.