Van der Sar reveals inside info on Man Utd plan for Van de Beek

Manchester United still very much believe in Donny van de Beek and have no desire to let him leave any time soon, according to Edwin van der Sar.

Van de Beek’s game time has been fleeting this season. The 23-year-old signed for £35m, plus £5m in add-ons in the summer but he has made just eight starts, of which only two have come in the Premier League.

Reports earlier this month in his homeland have claimed that if his situation doesn’t improve then he may as well pack his bags.

There were also reports last week that Van de Beek could be allowed to join Inter Milan on loan. That arrangement would have seen a disgruntled midfielder moving in the opposite direction.

However, despite his apparent dissatisfaction with life at present, Van der Sar insists United have no desire to move him on.

Furthermore, the former United keeper is adamant that all at Old Trafford believe he will be a big star for them in time.

“I do talk to a lot of people at the club [Manchester United],” Van der Sar told Dutch broadcaster Ziggo Sport.

“Fantastic attitude, he does well in training.

“It [sealing a spot in the Manchester United midfield] is difficult.

“[Paul] Pogba is coming back, [Bruno] Fernandes is very important, [Nemanja] Matic and [Scott] McTominay, are also there.

“It’s no shame at all, it’s also a big club, isn’t it?

“Of course, it’s a large amount [Van de Beek’s transfer fee], but they are confident that he will get there.”

Gary Neville flummoxed by Van de Beek deal

Gary Neville, meanwhile, thinks Van de Beek was signed as a replacement for Paul Pogba. However, the Frenchman’s recent inprovements may have changed the course of both player’s futures.

Neville said: “It’s interesting, something’s happened -the Van de Beek signing’s an interesting one. I still can’t get my head around it.

“It’s almost as if that signing was sort of done in anticipation of one of the others leaving because Van de Beek has just sat on the bench for the last few months and he cost £40m.

“I think that Manchester United are preparing for someone leaving. Maybe [Paul] Pogba could leave, so they’ve already got Van de Beek in to maybe assume that role.

“But I think now, the way Paul Pogba’s playing and the way Manchester United’s season is going, there’s no going to come in in January and buy Paul Pogba; I don’t think Manchester United would let him go.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has recently defended Van de Beek and insists it would always take the player time.


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“I’ve answered this question so many times,” the Norwegian said.

“There’s so many examples of players needing a little bit of time, quality players. We have many examples ourselves and there are other clubs with examples. Sometimes it takes time.

“You don’t expect people who care for him to be quiet at times, especially when they want the best for them.

“I’ve spoken to him and reiterated and made him aware of how much we rate him.”

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