Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has given his verdict on Donny van de Beek and the Dutchman’s struggles to get playing time so far this season.
Despite impressing during his time at Ajax and becoming a recognised Netherlands international, Van de Beek has not yet been given a proper run in the United team. For the most part he’s been an unused substitute — as seen on Saturday in the goalless draw with Chelsea.
His arrival sprung excitement our way because he looked a quality player in the Eredivisie. Everyone knew the Premier League was going to be a big step up, but I would have thought we’d be able to cast a better option on Van de Beek by now.
Hargreaves is of the view it may have been poor recruitment by his former club, as he pointed to the presence of Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes as the key reason that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appears to be struggling to find room for Van de Beek.
Speaking on BT Sport, Hargreaves said (via The Metro): “Because they’ve got two number eights in there with Bruno and Pogba and maybe again it comes down to recruitment.
“When City need something, they go get something that they don’t have and I think United had those two players there.
“I’m sure he’s going to get a run of games but when you spend £40m on a player you’d like to think he’d play.
“But I think Ole will find a place when it’s available.”
Solskjaer knows if he starts Van de Beek tonight against RB Leipzig that the questions will slow down, but if he’s overlooked again we can expect more headlines on the Netherlands international before taking on Arsenal.
The manager must be tired of it.
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