Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek has opened up on talks with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after missing out on a move to Everton.
The Dutch playmaker moved to United for around £36million last summer as the Red Devils pounced to land him from Ajax.
After starring in the Netherlands, some expected Van de Beek to do the same in England – but it just hasn’t happened for him yet.
The 24-year-old started just four Premier League games for United last season, and with 15 substitute appearances, he only featured in half of United’s league games.
One goal, one assist. £18million per goal contribution in the Premier League. That’s not what United fans were expecting when Van de Beek joined.
Van de Beek hasn’t even played a minute of Premier League action this season, and Everton had a last-gasp move for him blocked last week according to Algemeen Dagblad.
Now, speaking to FIVE, Van de Beek has admitted that he has spoken to boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and he wanted to keep the midfielder at Old Trafford.
Everton were fended off as Solskjaer suggested he is seeing a new Van de Beek in training – but maybe the Toffees should still have a go at another deal in January if his minutes don’t improve.
“I spoke with the manager about it, and with the club,” said Van de Beek. “And they were clear that they wanted me to stay here, the manager was really positive about me, and he said ‘I need you and I want to keep you here’.
“Yeah it’s difficult because I didn’t play one minute in the league, but he said ‘what I see every day in training, I see a different Donny now’ – he was really positive about me, and I’m feeling well, I’m in good shape, so I hope I can show the people that I have improved a lot now,” he added.
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