It is safe to say that Donny van de Beek’s time at Manchester United has not gone as most would have predicted. Arriving at Old Trafford, he was one of the most highly-rated young talents in Europe who had already proven himself during his time at Ajax in the Eredivisie as well as the Champions League.
Thus, many would have expected him to become an integral part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad over time. Especially with Paul Pogba appearing to be on his way out of the club at that point. Things have changed drastically since then.
Pogba has gone on to become one of the most important members of this Manchester United team and while his future at Old Trafford still remains up in the air, there is a possibility that he could end up remaining at the club.
On the other hand, the Dutch midfielder has failed to break into the first-team picture at Manchester United. It had appeared that he was going to come off the bench against Villarreal in midweek but remained an unused substitute ultimately. His reaction to the decision went viral on social media but Solskjaer has said that he understands the midfielder’s frustrations. As reported by Manchester United’s official website, the manager said:
"“I must have the record appearances as a sub. I’ve not been happy a few times. Alex [Telles] was coming off as a left-back and Fred did that job well.“I understand his [Van de Beek’s] frustration. That’s got to be built into determination. That’s not just Donny but all the players. We need to have positive energy. Donny has never affected his team-mates negatively, I want that out there.”"
Does Van de Beek have a future at Manchester United?
The Dutch midfielder has already been linked with a Manchester United exit in recent times and if he was to leave the club in the future there would not be expected to be a lack of suitors for his signature.
One has to feel that if Van de Beek is to have a future at Manchester United, things need to change for him quickly. At 24 years of age, he would not be expected to be content with sitting on the bench much longer and he should not be.
To be honest, Van de Beek has been impressive when he has played this season but it is hard to see him get a lot of playing time ahead of the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba. It remains to be seen if he can make one of the positions in the double midfield pivot his own.