Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s approach towards the new Manchester United signing is the correct one and should reap benefits in the future.
Recently, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has come under fire for his failure to utilise Donny Van de Beek during the early stage of the season. The Dutch midfielder was acquired by Manchester United in the summer transfer window from Ajax, for a fee reported to be around £35 million.
Midfield competition is tough at Old Trafford, with both Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes comfortably ahead of him, he is competing with Scott McTominay, Fred and Nemanja Matic for a starting sport. Not only is the Premier League different to the Eredivisie, the way the Red Devils play is a style he will have to get used to.
Despite the criticism, Solskjaer has come out in defence of his decision as reported by SI:
"“It says a lot about our depth of quality in the squad that we don’t have to use him every game. It also says everything about our ambitions.“Donny is going to play a big big part this year. I know at the moment the topic is Donny van de Beek.“It’s nice for some players and commentators to have a little go, but you have to know that you don’t have to start the first three games to be a very important player in the squad. He’s going to be important, don’t worry about that.”"
With Van de Beek’s best position being a deep-lying playmaker, utilising him will be important in the long season ahead for the Red Devils. His ability to recycle the ball and build attacks will be a useful skill in breaking down tough oppositions, perhaps European ones should the club progress in the Champions League, which is looking very likely at the moment.
Allowing Van de Beek time to settle in and play in competitions where he is likely to flourish and build his confidence, is another example of Solskjaer’s excellent man management skills. The Norwegian manager is confident in his player’s ability, and the fans should believe he will give the Dutchman his opportunity when the time is right.