Manchester United signing Donny van de Beek from Ajax in the previous summer transfer window was seen as a major coup for the club. He had been previously linked with moves to Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, and seeing him join the Red Devils for an initial transfer fee of around €40 million appeared to be a shrewd move.
Van de Beek’s addition was seen as a huge boost for the club’s creative department, especially on the back of Bruno Fernandes’ acquisition from Sporting CP in the previous January transfer window. But things don’t always work out in the way one expects them to. That has been the case with the Dutchman as well. He has failed to break into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first-team, spending most of the time on the bench.
Hence, the 23-year-old has only managed 311 minutes of Premier League football from 13 appearances. In total, he has 1,053 minutes so far to his name in 26 games across all competitions, producing a goal and an assist.
Naturally, the lack of playing time has given rise to rumours about him potentially leaving the club in the near future.
Van de Beek “feels loved” at Manchester United
While speaking to TalkSport, Ronald de Boer was asked about Van de Beek’s future at Manchester United. In reply, he revealed that the player “feels loved” at the club although he naturally wants to play more football:
"“He’s only had two starts under Solskjaer and that’s not what he hoped for when he joined Man United.“He’s not worried, of course he wants to play every game. But he’s not worried that he can’t succeed.“He has to have a review after this year, asking where do I stand? Do I have a possibility to succeed here or not? Otherwise, I have to make a move.“We will see where he’s heading next year, maybe he stays at Man United or maybe another club is interesting for him.“But he’s not panicking at all, he told his agent he’s so happy at Man United because the club is one of the best in terms of how they treat him, he feels loved.”"
To be honest, this could very well be a season where Van de Beek was provided time to the English game before he is given considerable minutes on the pitch.
Not many players in the world would manage to dislodge Fernandes or Pogba from the team. But with the Frenchman expected to leave in the summer, that could be the Dutchman’s chance to shine at Old Trafford.
Of course, he has been slightly unlucky in that respect as well as he got injured exactly at the same time as Pogba, which could have been an opportunity for him to get some minutes under his belt.