Solskjaer comments on van de Beek after Atalanta win

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s substitutions helped change the game as Manchester United beat Atalanta 3-2 last night.

Edinson Cavani livened up the attack and Paul Pogba added craft in midfield.

Solskjaer was decisive and made his changes early enough, but Donny van de Beek did not get off the bench once again.

Van de Beek was also ignored when chasing the game against Villarreal last time out in the Champions League, when his visible frustration went viral.

There was none of that last night, but Solskjaer was asked about van de Beek by Dutch outlet RTL7 after the game.

As per Voetbal Primeur, Solskjaer said: “He still works hard, but it’s hard for him. I understand that. He’s disappointed and frustrated, but works hard every day and does it with a big smile.

“He’s a real professional and he knows that sometimes it goes like this, but if you looked at our team today, you know that we have good players.

“I hope for Donny that he gets his chances and he takes it. Tonight I didn’t need him, but I know I can always count on him.”

The headlines will be focused elsewhere after United’s thrilling comeback but van de Beek endured another night of frustration.

Solskjaer benched both central midfielders who started the loss against Leicester but van de Beek did not get a start.

Then, he was once again not brought on with United chasing a goal and Solskjaer finished the game with one substitute remaining.

It is hard to see van de Beek forcing his way into the side anytime soon, with big game after big game ahead and the Dutchman could be forgiven for being ‘frustrated and disappointed’ right now.

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