‘Not a world-class player’ – Pundit slams Manchester United signing

The pundit does not seem to be impressed and has claimed that the Manchester United signing is not a world-class player.

There have been a lot of questions surrounding Manchester United’s recent transfer business. There failed chase for Jadon Sancho in the summer is well documented. But another deal which has come under scrutiny is that on Donny van de Beek.

The Dutch midfielder was brought to Old Trafford from Ajax for an initial transfer fee of around €39 million with a possible €5 million set to be paid in the future in add-ons. There are serious questions though whether the Red Devils actually needed the player.

And now former Netherlands international, Rene van der Gijp, has claimed that Van de Beek is not a world-class player.

Speaking with SBS 6 and as cited by Ajax Showtime, Van der Gijp said:

"“Van de Beek is not a world-class player, more Everton.“He (Bruno Fernandes) has scoring ability, depth and he can give balls of which you say ‘I never saw them coming’. And Van de Beek always gives balls that I think ‘I saw that too’ so there is little surprise in it.“The question is: do you think there is still a lot of flexibility in Van de Beek? Do you think he’ll be even better than that very good year in the Champions League he had?”"

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There is no question that Bruno Fernandes is far ahead of Van de Beek in the Manchester United pecking order. But it would be too early to declare the Dutch midfielder a flop.

He has just arrived at the club and it is only natural that he will take some time to settle in. In that regard, there have been some positive signs recently as he has finally been given a few starts on the trot. Now, we will have to see whether Solskjaer continues to provide him these opportunities.

It is only natural though that he has failed to establish himself as a starter for the Red Devils in such a short period of time. With players like Fernandes and Pogba in his position, it was always going to be a tough ask for him to come to Old Trafford and immediately make an impact.

He was most probably a signing that was made keeping the future in mind. And with rumours surrounding Pogba’s future at the club, do not be surprised if Van de Beek starts to play a much more prominent role as the season progresses.