Man Utd reject loan approaches for midfield misfit as Solskjaer forms plan

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Donny van de Beek Man Utd

Manchester United have rejected approaches from other clubs wanting to take Donny van de Beek on loan, according to reports.

Van de Beek has struggled to settle at United since joining from Ajax in summer 2020. The midfielder cost around £40m, but has not been able to make an instant impact.

Although he scored on his Premier League debut, he has since only started two games in the competition. Making eight appearances off the bench, he has been limited to just 253 minutes of top-flight action.

The transfer has been labelled “strange” by one former United player, and there are already doubts about the Dutchman’s future at the club.

At 23 years old, Van de Beek needs to be playing regularly, but has been given few chances by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Therefore, some think he needs to leave United – perhaps on loan – to keep his development going.

According to ESPN, United are already fielding loan enquiries for Van de Beek. It is not yet clear who has asked for his signature. However, they are rejecting such proposals.

It is claimed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer does not want to trim his squad in January, bearing in mind that United are in a title race.

Currently top of the table at the half-way stage, they will be hoping to continue their momentum over the following months. They do not want to deplenish their squad as they push for those aims.

Solskjaer is also hopeful of progress in the Europa League and FA Cup. Therefore, he sees Van de Beek as someone who can play his part for the rest of the season.

The report adds that Solskjaer is wary of a potential coronavirus outbreak at the club, as has happened at their cross-city rivals Manchester City.

There have been very few cases at United so far. But City’s example shows squad depth is needed in case players are ruled out.

United have also been lucky on the injuries front, but that could change at any moment. Therefore, Solskjaer is not taking any risks.

Lingard among trio also set to stay

Lingard.Man_.Utd_.TEAMtalk

For the same reasons, Solskjaer wants to keep Brandon Williams, Axel Tuanzebe and Jesse Lingard.

All three have been linked with exits this month, with Williams a target for Newcastle on loan. Tuanzebe has struggled for gametime despite impressing when he has played, while Lingard has also fallen to the fringes.

Lingard has been advised to join a club where he will get more gametime, even though he is reluctant about the idea of joining Sheffield United.

Solskjaer hopes to convince the trio to stick with United for the rest of the season as they compete for three trophies.

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