You could tell on Wednesday night that Donny van de Beek is wondering what he needs to do to get back on a football pitch regularly.
Having featured in just 39 matches, across all competitions, since joining from Ajax, there must now be real questions over why the midfielder fails to feature so often.
It could be time to face up what appears clear at this point – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer doesn’t trust Van de Beek like he does others.
While the Reds were drawing 1-1 against Villarreal in the Champions League, Solskjaer opted to bring on five substitutes and not Van de Beek, and the midfielder was spotted on the bench fuming about being snubbed.
Solskjaer was asked about Van de Beek’s mood swing the other night and made his stance very clear, saying (via Manchester Evening News): “You know, I manage a squad full of international footballers, competitive footballers who want to make a difference, who want to play. They all want to be on the pitch, of course they do.
“Donny was ready to come on, as all players should be. I’ve been a sub more than anyone in this club probably – I must have a record appearance as a sub – and you have to be ready all the time. I’ve been not very happy a few times but that is the decision the manager makes.
“Alex was coming off as a left-back and Fred did that job well. So I understand the frustration, of course, every player is keen to play, that’s got to be built into energy and determination for when you get on and show me.
“It’s not just Donny, it’s players, I’ve got a squad of internationals and if we’re going to be successful we need positive energy, no sulkers.
“Donny has never affected his teammates negatively. As soon as I see players affecting the team negatively then that’s a different scenario and I’ll probably be firmer.”
For the player’s sake, if he doesn’t get enough games between now and Christmas, you’d think a move in January would be on the cards.
Let us know in the comments if you think Solskjaer should find Van de Beek a place in the side?
Olle is useless donny is better than fred and scot why did he buy him
Doesn’t need rice try donny give him run of a few games then decide
In all honesty we need a conte or zindane
We wont win trophies ill be in my grave and we still wont win trophies
It is clear that McFred is failing to operate properly in midfield. Neither of these two players is skilled enough to start.They are bench players. My anwer is that De Beek has done nothing to derserve such scant playing time. It is unclear what the manager has against him but he has made no serious effort to integrate him into the first team.
Dan der beek hasn’t demonstrated much energy and strength. The drive needed. We want to return to our position in England. He should look up to Fernandez and see for himself. Is hesn’t an equal yet. He must prove himself. Well, I don’t know if he is the utility type though, to be used else where in the game. He should get on the pitch on the opportunities he has a show his best while we are watching.
VdB is a good utility player and I would always choose him over Fred. Donny looks to go forward and use the attackers and follow in. Maybe he needs to battle harder in training and MAKE Ole select him. VdB uses the channels wisely and passes round the corner better than most. He needs his attackers making the runs which creates chances. Him and either Pog or Mctom will be a more solid midfield I think.