Man United 'need more than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer' says pundit
Rafael van der Vaart has slammed the decision to not give Donny van de Beek more opportunities in the early weeks of his Manchester United career. The Dutchman ended months of speculation by making the switch to Old Trafford in the summer, but has endured a frustrating start to the season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a variety of midfield options, with Van de Beek, Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay, Fred, Nemanja Matic and Bruno Fernandes all jostling for position.
However, the former Ajax man has yet to start a Premier League game, with the majority of his opportunities coming in the Champions League.
Pressure is growing on Solskjaer to hand the 23-year-old a more prominent role in his line-up, as he continues to ease the summer signing into life at Old Trafford.
Van de Beek was handed the rare opportunity of completing 90 minutes on international duty, starting in the draw with Spain.
Man Utd ace Donny van de Beek urged to demand showdown Ole Gunnar Solskjaer talks (Image: GETTY)
After being handed the start, the United midfielder grabbed it with both hands, scoring Netherlands’ only goal in the 1-1 draw.
And following the game, former Tottenham star Van der Vaart blasted Solskjaer’s approach to his countryman, claiming those in front of him, do not deserve to be.
Speaking to NOS, he said: “Wait? Patience? Would you like it if you are stuck on the bench?
“The players in front of you can’t even kick a marble and he (Solskjaer) still does not put you in the team.
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Solskjaer is the latest manager to try and replicate Sir Alex Ferguson's feats at Old Trafford (Image: EXPRESS)
“I would not be happy. I would certainly not be enjoying my football there.
“Look at the player Donny is and how he performs at international level. I would not have it.”
The player himself is certainly taking a more measured response to his lack of playing time, claiming he has still enjoyed his intergration to the Premier League.
"It sounds cliché for me to say this, because of course I would have liked to play more, but I really enjoy being in a nice team. I am simply received very well and helped by everyone," Van de Beek told NOS .
"I'm a patient person, but of course you go there to play as much as possible. I also think – in the minutes that I have made, in the times that I have come in – I have shown that I can add something to the team.”
He went on to reveal that the United boss has held talks with the £35million signing, suggesting the opportunities will soon come.
"What does he [Solskjaer] say to me? That I have to be patient, but also that I just have to continue with what I am doing,” he added.
"And that he's seen that I have a good impact when I come into the field. My time is definitely coming. And when those opportunities come, I have to be there."
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