The Dutch midfielder had been linked to Barcelona and Real Madrid in the past, but the English club beat both Spanish sides to his signing.

23-year-old midfielder Donny Van de Beek has been unveiled at Manchester United, following swift negotiations between the English club and Ajax.

The former Ajax footballer is widely tipped as one of the best footballers of his generation, and Manchester United fans will be able to enjoy his antics for the next five years, according to the contract signed by the player and as informed by the club on their website.

The footballer has admitted that shining for the English club will be the highlight of his career, especially with some of the players he will have to beat for a regular spot in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's lineup.

"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," Van de Beek stated.

Coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer heaped praise on his new signing and highlighted the performances that convinced the Red Devils to push the deal through.

"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," the coach stated.

The footballer will use No. 34 while at Old Trafford. His choice, as previously reported, is a tribute to his former teammate and friend Abdelhak Nouri, who suffered a heart attack during a friendly game with Ajax and slipped into a come later on.