Manchester United star compared with Neymar at Barcelona

Frank de Boer believes there is a notable similarity between the player’s current situation at Manchester United and Neymar’s initial phase at Barcelona.

The news came as a shock. Within the extent of 48 hours following the expansion of the rumours about Manchester United’s interest in Donny Van de Beek, the club went on to sign one of the most promising talents the illustrious Ajax academy had produced over the years.

The confirmation arrived — Manchester United signed Donny van de Beek from Ajax for an initial transfer fee of £35 million. The Dutch midfield maestro had many admirers, especially from La Liga in Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.

But, amidst the financial crisis caused by the global pandemic, those admirers were forced to leave the track free for the Red Devils, who were quick and swift at the same time, while securing Van de Beek’s services. Furthermore, the involvement of Edwin van der Sar, the CEO of the Dutch football club, acted as a catalyst behind the deal.

On his debut for Manchester United, Van de Beek scored a goal. Though, his team faced an opening day 3-1 thrashing to Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Since then, there has been a lot of chatter coming out in regard to his early time at Old Trafford.

And the Dutch media and pundits, in particular, have been at the focal point when accusing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of not handing the 23-year-old midfielder a hefty game-time in the domestic competition.

Since joining United, Van de Beek has made four Premier League appearances, all as a substitute.

While talking to Sportsday (via TalkSport), Dutch manager Frank de Boer assessed the situation by saying that Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a ‘plan’ ready for Van de Beek.

He also couldn’t resist himself from comparing Van de Beek’s current situation at Manchester United to that of Neymar’s initial period at his former club FC Barcelona, where the current PSG playmaker did not have the smoothest start but went to become a massive player for them.

De Boer said:

"“I think Solskjaer has a plan with him, but it will take time to adapt.“I remember when Neymar came to Barcelona from Santos and during the first few weeks he was on the bench. He was the superstar in Brazil at that moment.“People have to understand him [Van de Beek], his teammates and the coach.“He’s a guy that doesn’t get nervous, but of course I understand the current situation. United have spent a lot of money on the boy and he’s on the bench sometimes playing five minutes.“I think overall Donny is a very intelligent boy and he will fight until the end. I think Manchester United will have a lot of enjoyment with him.”"

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He continued:

"“You don’t say I’m going to Manchester United for the money.“He’s a young player who wants to play every week and would have been asking [the manager] what kind of role he saw for him in the coming years.“That’s what has been made clear to him, otherwise he wouldn’t have made the step.“A lot of other interesting clubs [Barcelona and Real Madrid] were also available to him.”"

Donny van de Beek got a start against RB Leipzig on Wednesday evening — United won with a jaw-dropping 5-0 scoreline.

Although Van de Beek’s performance against the German side was bleak as there were more than enough decent performers across the pitch on the same night, it is understood that glittering days are ahead of what has been a nurturing period to the Dutchman’s time at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’.