Mark Hughes: Manchester United stars don’t trust Donny van de Beek yet
Speaking on TalkSport (h/t Independent), former Red Devils star Mark Hughes believes Manchester United stars don’t trust Donny van de Beek with the ball yet.
The Dutch star joined the club last summer and even scored on his debut. He has however struggled to make an impact since and has largely come off the bench.
The 23-year-old recieved a rare start against West Ham United in the FA Cup on Tuesday. He endured another difficult night and was taken off for Bruno Fernandes in the second half.
“It looks like they don’t trust him with the ball yet.”
Hughes believes Van de Beek has been too static for his own good. An extremely mobile player at Ajax Amsterdam, he has struggled to replicate the same in red.
“I haven’t seen a great deal of movement, I haven’t seen little movements to get in pockets of space, even though you suspect that’s the player he is and those are the areas he wants to work in.”
Hughes went on to add that while Van de Beek has not received many opportunities, he has also not done enough during his limited appearances. He believes the Dutchman should do more to earn himself more opportunities.
“He probably feels a bit aggrieved that he hasn’t had a run of games, he’s probably feeling a bit hard done by.”
Van de Beek is a curious catch-22 situation here. While one can demand he should get more game time, he hasn’t really got going when on the field.
A turnaround in his fortunes will do his morale and confidence the world of good. The sooner it happens the better it is.
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Van de Beek has made 24 appearances for United so far, of which just 11 have come as a starter. During this time, he has scored one goal and made one assist. (h/t Transfermarkt)