Aheed Abrar
Paul Parker feels Donny van de Beek was signed for Manchester United by a FIFA-playing “wannabe”
Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has slammed the club’s decision to sign Donny van de Beek. The ex-Red Devil believes whoever sanctioned the Holland international’s transfer to the Old Trafford side from Ajax had no idea about what they were doing.
Van de Beek signed for the Old Trafford side after impressing under Erik ten Hag in Amsterdam. However, since the 25-year-old’s move to Manchester, the midfielder has looked like a shadow of his former self.
Speaking to IndiaBetting (h/t Metro), Parker, who spent five years during his playing career at United, feels Van de Beek’s signing was a mistake.
“Donny was clearly bought by a sporting director or a wannabe person who plays online, who plays FIFA football and thinks he knows the players.”
Since his arrival in the summer of 2020, Van de Beek has struggled to get into the team at the Manchester-based club. The 25-year-old got a few opportunities in his debut season. However, since then, the Holland international has not been afforded regular minutes.
In the previous campaign, Van de Beek did not start a game for United in the Premier League. Subsequently, the 25-year-old left on loan to join Everton in January 2022.
He was initially influential for Frank Lampard. However, an injury in March kept him on the sideline almost until the end of the 2022/23 campaign.
With the arrival of his former Ajax head coach to the Old Trafford dugout, fans expected Van de Beek to thrive. Unfortunately, fitness issues have once again hindered the Holland international’s time on the pitch.
With the arrival of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro, competition for places has increased in the middle of the park. Also, the number 10 position is occupied by Bruno Fernandes in the starting lineup.
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Thus, fans feel another departure in January would be wise for the midfielder. The 25-year-old looks short on confidence in Manchester. A change of environment could seemingly be helpful.
