A former Dutch international footballer has taken out a full page advertisement in a regional daily to introduce fans on its patch to a new signing.

Edwin van der Sar, chief executive of Amsterdam club Ajax, took out the ad in the Manchester Evening News after Manchester United announced the signing of midfielder Donny van de Beek from his club.

Mr van der Sar, who played for Ajax, United and the Dutch national team during his playing career, urged to United supporter to “take good care of our Donny” in an open letter to them.

MEN editor-in-chief Darren Thwaites has hailed the letter as one of his “favourite adverts ever”.

Dear @ManUtd,

Enjoy the Future. ♥️#DreamLikeDonny pic.twitter.com/QVKS3Q0Snk

— Edwin van der Sar (@vdsar1970) September 3, 2020

Addressing United fans in his letter, Mr van der Sar wrote: “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 the showed the world 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.”

Mr van der Sar went on to note Ajax did not “like to see him leave”.

He added: “But we understand it’s time for him to move on. To dream on.And where be tter 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.”

Darren told HTFP: “This is one of my favourite adverts ever. It’s a great collaboration that has really engaged fans and delivered enormous reach.

“The approach came out of the blue and we were delighted to be able to turn it around at short notice. We’ve had a fantastic reaction from fans, with thousands of likes on Twitter and a reach of more than half-a-million on Facebook within the first couple of hours alone.

“The paper itself will become a collectors’ item if van de Beek goes on to become a United legend.

“It’s a great case study on how we can use the power of our print, digital and social portfolio to amplify a message.”