Van de Beek details key Solskjaer demand after crunch Man Utd role talks

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Donny van de Beek

Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek has revealed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has demanded patience from him in the battle for game time.

Dutchman Van de Beek has struggled to make a consistent impact since signing from Ajax in July. Indeed, he has only played 74 Premier League minutes and is yet to start in the top flight.

However, the 23-year-old has shown his talent when opportunities have arisen; he scored a goal on his debut when coming on against Crystal Palace in September.

What’s more, despite his United chances remaining limited, Van de Beek has continued to remind boss Solskjaer of his talent while playing for the Netherlands.

He has scored in each of his country’s last two games, including the equaliser against Spain on Wednesday. Speaking after that game, he revealed details of his talks with Solskjaer.

“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,” Van de Beek told NOS.

“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.”

Solskjaer has defended the midfielder on several occasions, including from critics such as Patrice Evra.

However, Van de Beek also highlighted other, equally important, aspects of his Old Trafford move.

 

Game time not the defining factor

 

 

“It sounds cliché for me to say this, because of course I would have liked to play more, but I really enjoy being in a nice team,” the midfielder said.

“I am simply received very well and helped by everyone. 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.”

Van de Beek’s last appearance for the Red Devils came in the Champions League defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir.

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