Donny van be Beek has come under criticism regarding his decision to join Manchester United by former manager Louis van Gaal.
As quoted by Goal, Louis van Gaal has recently spoken up Donny van de Beek’s situation at Manchester United. The former Ajax talent has seen his game-time become limited following a move to Old Trafford in the summer, with his agent being particularly vocal about it earlier in the campaign.
It seems van Gaal has also chimed in with his thoughts over the transfer. The Dutchman has insinuated that the player’s summer switch to Manchester United was not a wise decision due to multiple reasons, including the increasing competition in the club’s midfield department.
“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?” the former United boss told Dutch television channel Ziggo.
van Gaal made further comments about the options van de Beek had in the summer. “I think you could have seen that beforehand. There are so many teams, which could have done better justice to him, also in the top division. He is a boy with many qualities,” the former Manchester United manager said.
Mauricio Pochettino on Donny Van De Beek: "Nobody talks much about him, but he has a dynamic in the game, he arrives, he works, he scores goals" #MUFC pic.twitter.com/GqDHZsgsxz
— MUFC Supreme (@mufcsupreme) December 10, 2020
The 69-year-old’s strong opinions on this matter are highly surprising given the fact that van de Beek has featured in 220 minutes of league football this campaign. He has fallen behind not only Fernandes but also Juan Mata and Scott McTominay in the pecking order, with his appearances largely being limited to the Champions League or any other cup matches.
van de Beek’s lack of game-time has stifled his progress and it could potentially have grave impacts over his first-team opportunity for the Netherlands in the upcoming European Championship.
It also appears unlikely that the Dutchman will manage to gain the trust of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer anytime soon, despite the ongoing transfer saga for Pogba, who has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford.
The presence of Fred and Fernandes further muddles things for van de Beek as both midfielders are, more or less, guaranteed starters in first-team. Manchester United, in fact, rely deeply on their services in transition and in terms of overall chance creation.
Patience could be key for the Dutchman in his difficult first season at Old Trafford. The hectic schedule of the 2020/21 campaign, especially as we head towards to the holiday period, could bring forth injury troubles for Solskjaer, thus allowing van de Beek the opportunity to prove his talents in the Premier League this season.
