Dimitar Berbatov admits it wouldn’t be a surprise if Donny van de Beek seeks Man United EXIT after just four months … before claiming he should be ‘pushing on the door’ manager ‘for clarity on his lack of playing time
- Donny van de Beek has failed to make an impact since entering into a £ 40m contract
- The Dutchman has only eight starts for Man United since moving from Ajax
- Van de Beek ‘s lack of playing time has been a major talking point at Old Trafford
- Dimitar Berbatov insists he would not be surprised if he looks for the exit door
Former Manchester United star Dimitar Berbatov admits he would not be surprised if £ 40million was signed by Donny van de Beek looking to leave early.
Van de Beek joined United from Ajax in September last year with high expectations on his shoulders, but his four months with the Premier League giants so far have ultimately led to disappointment.
The Dutchman, who emerged as one of the brightest talents in Europe with Ajax, has started just eight games for United since arriving with big money – struggling to get the nod in midfield with such as Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba for competition.
Things were certainly not planned for Man United’s £ 40million Donny van de Beek
His lack of playing time has been a major talking point at Old Trafford and Berbatov says his patience could wear out just four months after he joined.
‘I don’t know what’s going on with Donny van de Beek,’ he told Betfair. ‘I said before he signed that I like him as a player, he was good for Ajax and his national team, but now he can’t get a game at United.
‘I don’t watch the training sessions and the little time he gets on the pitch isn’t enough to judge.
‘He has to run a series of games in order to give him confidence. I see that his confidence is not high right now, and that is normal because when you are not playing you will start to punish yourself and ask yourself questions.
‘I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts looking for the way out and nobody blames him. Something is not working. ‘
The Dutchman has kept an eye off the bench for most of United’s campaign so far
Van de Beek ‘s arrival was supposed to give United the upper hand, tying the play between midfield and attack with his quick legs and vision.
But that has been far from the case, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been used mostly from the bench so far this season. He came on as an 88-minute substitute in Wednesday night’s 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final loss to Manchester City rivals.
And Berbatov insists Van de Beek should press Solskjaer’s door for clarity on his lack of playing time, having said he’s better than some of the which starts regularly in the middle of the park.
‘At the moment Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay and Fred are all ahead of him, judging by the playing time he gets,’ said Berbatov.
Dimitar Berbatov can’t understand why Van de Beek isn’t getting more playing time at United
‘Are all these players better than him? I don’t think so, everyone is different and everyone can bring different qualities to a game. That’s why I wonder what’s going on. ‘
He said: ‘He should knock on the manager’s door and ask: what’s going on? he should ask why he is not playing and what he can do to improve his situation. Then depending on what answers he gets, he can evaluate and do what is necessary. ‘
Van de Beek has started just twice in the Premier League for United this season, with most of his playing time coming in the Carabao Cup.
Van de Beek will be desperate for a rare start when United host Watford in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday night.
