Manchester United hero Edwin van der Sar explains inside information on Donny van de Beek

Man Utd: Solskjaer assesses van de Beek performance

Manchester United legend Edwin van der Sar has claimed people within the club still believe Donny van de Beek will be a hit. The Netherlands international has struggled for form at Old Trafford ever since his January move from Ajax. He was left on the bench for the entirety of their 0-0 draw with Liverpool on Sunday, much to the bemusement of many.

United paid £40million to sign Van de Beek during the summer transfer window, having been priced out of a deal for Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish.

But the 23-year-old has failed to hit the ground running at Old Trafford in the time since.

Van de Beek has been restricted to just 10 league appearances this term, with the majority of his matches coming as a cameo.

Inter Milan have been linked with the playmaker, though he’s eager to stay in the Premier League and show he’s got what it takes to be a hit.

And Van der Sar has claimed his compatriot still has the backing of the United hierarchy, despite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reluctance to throw him into the firing line.

THINK YOU KNOW SPORT? Test your sporting knowledge with our tricky quiz

“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.

DON’T MISS

Man Utd owner Joel Glazer plans new Old Trafford structure with Ed Woodward impacted

Real Madrid happy to agree Isco transfer but Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta should be worried

Tottenham star Son Heung-min ‘would consider Real Madrid move if given superstar status’

“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.”

Amid Van de Beek’s struggles in English football, former United star Gary Neville has expressed a belief he was only signed as a contingency had one of their midfielders left.

Paul Pogba was strongly linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the summer, with Real Madrid and Juventus both amongst his admirers.

And, speaking on Sunday, 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.”

Solskjaer recently defended his handling Van de Beek, saying: “I’ve answered this question so many times.

“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.”

United currently sit two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table after their draw with Liverpool.

And they’ll be looking for a return to winning ways when they face off against Fulham on Wednesday night (8.15pm).

Source: Read Full Article