Donny van de Beek’s first 12 months as a Manchester United player haven’t gone as planned. The midfielder scored on his debut against Crystal Palace last season but a year later, he has been limited to just four starts in the Premier League.
Van de Beek’s problems were doubled earlier this summer when he had to pull out of this summer’s European Championship with a groin injury. The midfielder did, however, return to pre-season in good shape and impressed supporters.
After three Premier League games, Van de Beek is yet to start for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, prompting Van de Beek’s agent to seek solutions elsewhere.
Now, the Ajax academy graduate has opened up on his lack of minutes at United, insisting he has received encouragement from Solskjaer over his chances of playing this season.
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“I think the start was good,” he said on Vibe with FIVE. “I think I did well but after that, it’s difficult. If you wait for your chance, that’s not easy if you’re not playing.
“First year, you come from another competition, it’s normal you need time to adapt and everything. But of course, you are not happy. I want to play, that’s clear.”
The 24-year-old also revealed that he has held talks with the manager after reports of a deadline day move to Everton surfaced last week.
“I spoke with the manager about it, and they were clear. The manager was really positive about me, he said ‘I need you and I want to keep you here. What I see every day in training, I see a different Donny now.’
“He was really positive about me and I’m feeling well, to be fair, I’m in good shape so I hope I can show the people that I improve a lot now.
“I need to trust him (Solskjaer). If he doesn’t need me, I think he will let me go. I think he has plans with me. I just need to work hard and I hope I can show one day the people what I can (do).”
Van de Beek was omitted from Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands squad last month but after two weeks of training during the international break, the Dutchman will be hoping to feature against Newcastle on September 11.
