Solskjaer admits Van de Beek is not happy at Man Utd

Will Ford
Berbatov Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Man Utd Donny van de Beek

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits Donny Van de Beek is not happy at Manchester United over his lack of playing time.

The 23-year-old was the major signing of the summer for United after he joined from Ajax for £35million.

But he has had a tough first season at Old Trafford, with 21 appearances in total and just two Premier League starts.


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And Solskjaer admits that the Dutch international is struggling to come to terms with his lack of game time.

“I wouldn’t say that Donny is happy,” Solskjaer said. “Of course, he wants to play more, but he gets about his job in the right manner.

“We are doing well and have got players who are playing really well in his position.”

Solskjaer himself earned a reputation as a super sub during his playing days at Old Trafford, and as such he has plenty of empathy for his new signing.

“He reminds me a lot about myself, when I first came in, that he understands my difficulties and challenges,” the Norwegian continued.

“I was the same with Sir Alex [Ferguson, former Man Utd head coach]. When he left me out I understood and I was happy for the team to win – and Donny is that type of guy.

“He knows he is important for us and knows he is going to play many games.”

Solskjaer revealed that Van de Beek would feature for United against Liverpool on Sunday and backed him to make a major impact.

“He will definitely be involved in this game against Liverpool and he might be the deciding factor in the game,” Solskjaer said.

“He trusts his own quality. He is a quietly confident guy who deep down knows he is good enough and is just waiting for his opportunity.”