Donny van de Beek speaks out on his lack of game time

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Donny van de Beek has spoken out on his time at Manchester United so far.

Van de Beek only started four Premier League games last season, and this season he has not played a single minute to date.

The situation has confused many United supporters, with United paying £35 million for Van de Beek in 2020.

Now in an exclusive interview with Rio Ferdinand’s Five, Van de Beek has been speaking about his time at Manchester United so far.

Van de Beek said: “It’s not easy if you are playing, also not for the confidence and everything.

“I train really hard every day. Just wait for your chance, that’s the only thing I can do. If the moment is there I have to be ready.”

Positive attitude

Van de Beek added that manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been very positive about him behind the scenes.

The Dutchman explained: “He (Solskjaer) said ‘What I see everyday in training, I see a different Donny now.’

“He was really positive about me, and I’m feeling well, I’m in good shape so I hope I can show the people that I’ve improved a lot now.”

Van de Beek was honest enough to express that he is frustrated with his lack of game time, as any ambitious footballer would be, but he intends to remain positive. He said: “You need to be involved with the team I think, and of course sometimes you’re angry, every player is. If you don’t train hard, you give a reason for the manager to play without you, I think, don’t show it (anger) with your attitude. I think that is the key, always be positive.”

Long season ahead

While disappointing that Van de Beek has not featured early for United this season, it is worth remembering we are just three games into a campaign which could stretch for around 60 matches.

At the end of the season will be time to take a proper view on whether Van de Beek has a future at Manchester United, or not.

That could even depend on Paul Pogba’s future, whether he stays or goes. Many believed Van de Beek was bought as insurance for Pogba, and if he is really patient, he could flourish if the Frenchman departs. Until then, he has to work extra hard to force his way into the side.

Van de Beek added that he is confident playing in a variety of midfield roles.

He said: “I like to play at 8 or 6, it’s fine. They know me because in Ajax I was playing number 10 a lot – but yeah, I can also play as a number 8 or 6.”

United now head into a stretch of six matches in 18 days, and Van de Beek should get his chance. If he doesn’t, then it’s really time to worry.

When his opportunity does arrive, Van de Beek will have to take it.

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