Man Utd manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted he understands the frustration shown by Donny van de Beek after he was left on the bench in the recent Champions League win over Villarreal - but has challenged the Dutchman to take his chance when he gets one.
Van de Beek joined United from Ajax in 2020 but has failed to break into the team since joining. Indeed, he has only made four Premier League starts since joining and spent a lot of his time on the bench due to United's options in midfield.
The player's frustration was visible on Wednesday night as he threw down his training bib and his chewing gum, as he learned he would be overlooked again for Fred and Jesse Lingard - who as it happened both played a part in Cristiano Ronaldo's late winning goal.
24-year-old Van de Beek has lost his place in the Dutch squad because of his lack of playing time at United - former manager and current national coach Louis van Gaal omitted him once more on Friday for the upcoming internationals - but Solskjaer has challenged the player to not 'sulk'.
Speaking in his Friday press conference ahead of the Premier League fixture with Everton, Solskjaer said: "You know, I manage a squad full of international footballers, competitive footballers who want to make a difference, who want to play. They all want to be on the pitch, of course they do.
"Donny was ready to come on, as all players should be. I've been a sub more than anyone in this club probably - I must have a record for appearances as a sub - and you have to be ready all the time. I've been not very happy a few times but that is the decision the manager makes.
"Alex [Telles] was coming off as a left-back and Fred did that job well. So I understand the frustration, of course, every player is keen to play, that's got to be built into energy and some determination for when you get on and then show me.
"It's not just Donny, it's all of the players. I've got a squad of internationals and if we're going to be successful together we know we need positive energy, we can't have energy-sappers or sulkers.
"But Donny has never affected his teammates negatively, just so that's said. As soon as I see players affecting the team negatively then that's a different scenario and I'll probably be firmer."
The Mail report that Van de Beek is ready to make another attempt to leave United in the upcoming January transfer window if his standing doesn't change. The club blocked the opportunity of a loan move to Saturday's opponents Everton in the summer.
Source : 90min