Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has allayed fears over Donny van de Beek’s slow start to life at Manchester United after the summer signing was an unused substitute against Chelsea.
The Red Devils are still waiting for their first win at Old Trafford in the Premier League this season after a goalless draw against Frank Lampard’s side, though Van de Beek played no part in the match.
In a quiet transfer window for United – save for a flurry of deadline day deals – the Dutch midfielder was their major summer signing in a £40million deal from Ajax.
But he is yet to start a Premier League game and was left to watch Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Chelsea from the stands even though United were trying to find a winner.
The decision to sign Van de Beek was questioned at the time, with United already well stocked in central midfield, but Solskjaer insists the 23-year-old will get plenty of opportunities.
Asked what Van de Beek needs to do to get involved, Solskjaer told Sky Sports: ‘No, don’t worry about that.
United legend Gary Neville had been rather critical of the decision to sign Van de Beek while on commentary duty during the clash with Chelsea, even suggesting the Dutchman might regret the move.
‘What is a little bit of a mystery is the use of Van der Beek,’ said the former right-back.
‘He’s been signed for £40m doesn’t seem to be at the forefront of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans in every game.
‘It’s a bit of a mystery that one. The more he doesn’t start and the more he doesn’t come on the more you’re thinking: “Well £40m player ordinarily you’d get him in the team”. He must be thinking, “What am I doing here?” at this moment in time.’
