Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has held ‘positive’ talks with Donny van de Beek following the midfielder’s struggles this season, as Bruno Fernandes admits he ‘would not be happy’ with the star’s reduced role.
Van de Beek has struggled to make an impression during a disappointing debut season at Manchester United, the summer signing from Ajax having found himself on the fringes and has made just two Premier League starts for the campaign.
The Netherlands international was handed a rare starting opportunity during the Red Devils 3-2 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup this weekend, though failed to make a significant impact and was withdrawn following an ineffective showing.
The 23-year-old arrived with a promising reputation but has endured a frustrating time at Old Trafford, though The Athletic are reporting that the midfielder has held ‘positive’ talks with Solskjaer regarding his long-term future.
The Norwegian is understood to have assured Van de Beek his game time will increase over the second half of the season, having found opportunities limited amid the superb showings of Bruno Fernandes and a resurgent Paul Pogba.
Fernandes has spoken himself on his teammate’s situation and admits he ‘would not be happy’ with the limited minutes than Van de Beek has received, though praised the Dutchman’s performances when handed an opportunity.
“We have a really good squad and we have options. If you look at the bench and the first XI today and the ones at home we have a really good squad, it will not be a problem if we change the team or someone is tired because we have really good players,” Fernandes told MUTV.
“Donny did a great game, playing in the position I play watching him he moves really good, he played really well. It’s important for us.
“If I was in the position of Donny I would not be happy at all but the most important is doing what he does today, coming in and helping the team.”
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