Donny van de Beek Insists He Can Add Something to Man Utd's Midfield

Donny van de Beek has struggled for minutes at Old Trafford
Donny van de Beek has struggled for minutes at Old Trafford / DeFodi Images/Getty Images
facebooktwitterreddit

Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek has insisted that his time as a starter at Old Trafford is 'definitely coming', after he netted an impressive goal in the Netherlands' 1-1 draw with Spain on Wednesday.

A £35m signing from Ajax during the summer, Van de Beek has featured ten times for United but has only started four games, none of which have come in the Premier League, and the decision to sign him has already come under scrutiny.

Van de Beek is yet to start a league game
Van de Beek is yet to start a league game / Alex Pantling/Getty Images

However, while things are less than ideal at club level, Van de Beek is flying on the international stage. He has scored in each of his last two games for the Netherlands, including an impressive half-volley on Wednesday.

Despite all the speculation about his United career, Van de Beek insisted he is still happy and focused on proving himself, adding that he is confident he will soon get the chance to strut his stuff.

"It sounds cliche for me to say this, because of course I would have liked to play more, but I really enjoy being in a nice team. I was welcomed warmly and helped by everyone," Van de Beek told NOS after the game.

"I'm a patient person, but of course you go there to play as much as possible. I also think – in the minutes that I have made, in the times that I have come in – I have shown that I can add something to the team."

Central midfield has proven to be a tricky position for manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Bruno Fernandes is the undisputed starter behind the striker, while the likes of Paul Pogba, Fred, Nemanja Matic and Scott McTominay are all battling for minutes in the deeper roles.

The boss has found it hard to give everyone minutes this year - even Pogba has only started five games in all competitions this year - but Van de Beek admitted that Solskjaer has already offered him reassurances about his role in the team.

Solskjaer has offered his support
Solskjaer has offered his support / Pool/Getty Images

"What does he say to me? That I have to be patient, but also that I just have to continue with what I am doing," he added. "And that he's seen that I have a good impact when I come into the field.

"My time is definitely coming. And when those opportunities come, I have to be there."


For more from ​Tom Gott, follow him on ​Twitter!