Football journalist David Ornstein has been discussing Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek and his current situation at the club.
This comes after Ornstein recently co-hosted the latest episode of The Athletic’s Ornstein & Chapman Podcast where he spoke about a number of topics concerning the Premier League and its clubs.
On the subject of Van de Beek and his current situation at Old Trafford in regards to his playing time so far this season, Ornstein had this to say on the matter.
He said: “Ahead of the Fulham game last week, it came to our attention that [Ole Gunnar] Solskjaer had pulled him aside for some kind of short meeting, conversation, chat – these things happen all the time – and just reassured him on the path that he is on at United and how United view him and his involvement going forward, reassuring him over the opportunities he would receive and the map they have for him, which is a long-term project.
“I think a player of his stature, who’s come into the club for £40 million, can kind of accept what’s happening for this season, but you would imagine something needs to change next season and play a more prominent role.
“Now, I don’t think that he is considering at all leaving or being loaned from United – and United certainly aren’t – that’s been made clear to him, but I think this conversation was probably needed.”
The Red Devils signed Van de Beek back in the previous summer transfer window from Dutch side Ajax for a fee of £35.1 million.
Since then, the 23-year-old, who is currently valued at £36 million, has made just 10 appearances for United in the Premier League prior to their midweek clash against Sheffield United and has been an unused substitute in the club’s previous six league fixtures (per Transfermarkt).
TIF Thoughts on David Ornstein’s comments on Van de Beek…
While it may be justified that Van de Beek hasn’t been playing regularly in the Premier League for United as he has only managed to earn himself a disappointing season rating of 6.28/10 for his league performances so far this season, it’s good to hear that Solskjaer has given him reassurances over his path at United and what the future could hold for him at Old Trafford.
Have you been disappointed by Van de Beek's playing time so far this season?
Yes
No
In our view, Solskjaer will have to stay faithful to his comments to Van de Beek and start playing him more regularly throughout the remainder of this campaign and next season too, or else the Dutchman could find himself in a position where he doesn’t want to be.