Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has blasted the player’s decision to join the club despite the presence of Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes.
It is safe to say that things have not gone to plan since Donny van de Beek left Ajax to join Manchester United in the summer. The Dutch midfielder has found it hard to break into the first-team.
That should not be surprising considering the presence of Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba. Both of them are currently ahead of the 23-year-old in the pecking order. As a result, he has had to be satisfied with Cup appearances and coming off the bench till now. Something that he would not have envisioned when arriving at Old Trafford as the club’s marquee summer signing.
Now, Louis van Gaal has criticised his fellow Dutchman’s decision to join the Red Devils. Speaking with Ziggy Sport and as cited by Football Oranje, the former Manchester United boss said:
"“I hope his time will come, but I don’t think he made a good choice. I said that right away.“If you have Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes, what position should Van de Beek be in? He doesn’t have the qualities of Pogba and Fernandes.“And now you see that Pogba often doesn’t start. Where should Van de Beek play then?”"
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To be honest, it does look like it was an ill-advised move on the part of United to go after Van de Beek. They did not need the Dutchman considering the talent that they already have in that position.
But with Pogba’s career up in the air, it does look like Van de Beek’s time could come next season or in January, if the club do decide to let go of the Frenchman that early. In that case, his €39 million could prove to be an inspired move on the part of the club.
There has never been any doubt about the quality of the midfielder. It is just that at this point of time, he is not better than Fernandes and Pogba. But that does not mean that he cannot enjoy a successful career at Old Trafford. So while he might not be a part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans right now, do not be surprised to see him become an important part of this team in the near future.