Marco van Basten has claimed that Donny van de Beek was wrong to join Manchester United from Ajax this past summer.
In an interview with Dutch outlet Ziggo Sport, as quoted by The Sun, former Ajax manager Marco van Basten has opined on Donny van de Beek’s move to Manchester United in the summer transfer window. The Dutchman has slammed his compatriot over the switch, iterating that he needs to play more often.
Donny van de Beek joined Manchester United from Ajax in the transfer window that slammed shut recently, moving to Old Trafford as the Red Devils’ first summer signing. The Dutch international, though, has struggled to carve out a place for himself so far this term.
Marco van Basten does not think Donny van de Beek should have joined Man United ❌ pic.twitter.com/kkzCNqpZV6
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) October 26, 2020
After a month and a half into the new season, van de Beek is still in search of his full debut in the Premier League, having been restricted to starts in the Carabao Cup. This despite scoring the first league goal of the season for Manchester United and amid a slow start to the season for the record English champions.
With questions rising over when van de Beek will secure a bigger role in his squad, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been quick to allay fears over his new signing’s position. However, Marco van Basten has been vocal in criticising van de Beek over his decision to join Manchester United.
Speaking to Ziggo Sport (h/t The Sun), the former Ajax manager said, “Donny should not have gone to Manchester United. When you are a good player you want to play every week. It is really bad for a player like Donny to play only six or seven games this year. That is shocking for your match rhythm.”
“I know he is earning loads and loads more than he used to. But as a top player you have to be critical and look at the chances of playing when you sign for a new club. Donny should have waited for better prospects and signed for another club.”
While van de Beek has been slow off the blocks at Manchester United for one reason or another, it is very important to note how Jurgen Klopp eased Fabinho in when the Brazilian joined Liverpool from AS Monaco two years ago.
Klopp’s methods ensured Fabinho settled in seamlessly before becoming a pivotal member of his squad. Patience will, therefore, be the key if van de Beek is to become a long-term success. Having said that, it will be interesting to see how Solskjaer treats the Dutch international in the coming months and if he can become a regular at Manchester United.
