Ajax chief Edwin van der Sar admits he is "sad" over the current situation Donny van de Beek at Manchester United.

It comes amid a tough season for the midfielder, who joined from Ajax last summer in a deal worth £40m.

Van der Sar told ESPN: "Of course I feel sad for Donny.

"He walked the perfect path before joining United. He joined the [Ajax] first team from the academy, became a starter, won trophies, performed in Europe.

"But the midfield of Manchester United is too stacked, they've not had any injuries. It's hard for him."

Van der Sar, who has been linked with an administration role back at Old Trafford, still believes Van de Beek will come good at the club.

"I do talk to more people at the club. He's got a fantastic attitude, he is doing well in training," he said earlier this year.

"It's hard. Pogba is coming back, Fernandes is very important, Matic and McTominay, who are there.

"There's no shame at all, it's a big club too, isn't it? Of course it is a large amount [the transfer fee], but they are confident that he will get there."