Pranav Nair
Jermaine Jenas blames Solskjaer for Donny van de Beek struggles at Manchester United
Commenting on BBC Sport (h/t The Mirror), Jermaine Jenas has placed the struggle of Donny van de Beek at Manchester United on manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Dutchman was United’s most expensive signing of the summer. He has however found it difficult to get going at Old Trafford despite scoring on his debut against Crystal Palace.
The 23-year-old has made 24 appearances for United so far, of which just 11 have come as starts. During this time, he has scored one goal and made one assist. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Van de Beek was handed a rare start yesterday in United’s FA Cup tie against West Ham United. He was, however, unable to impact proceedings and was taken off for Bruno Fernandes in the second half.
“That look on his face there I’ve just seen sums up, unfortunately, the way he’s playing at the moment, with a bit of fear and a lack of rhythm.”
Jenas expressed his sympathy to the Dutchman and believes Solskjaer needs to give the player a run of games to get him into his groove.
The right rhythm
Jenas believes Van de Beek lacks rhythm and is playing from a position of fear. He has absolved the Dutchman of all fault and believes he is doing the best he can under the circumstances.
“I honestly don’t think it’s his fault. He’s out there being professional, doing everything he possibly can.”
A good run of games should help the 23-year-old get back to his best. Jenas too saw enough flashes in the game to suggest Van de Beek has it in him to succeed if given the opportunity.
More Manchester United News
- Manchester United second only to Manchester City in transfer deficit post 2016
- Manchester United to wait until the summer before making a decision on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
- Jamie Carragher expresses sympathy for Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire
While Van de Beek has not exactly set the field on fire, he hasn’t done too shabbily either. One can argue that Solskjaer should be doing more to ensure he gets the best out of the midfielder.
As things stand, the 23-year-old a shadow of the player who was exceptional at Ajax Amsterdam. Hopefully, he will be given the opportunity to replicate the same at the Theatre of Dreams.
