Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was questioned about Donny van de Beek‘ lack of involvement in recent games.
The 25-year-old wast sent on loan to Everton for the second half of the previous season, but things did not go as expected under manager Frank Lampard.
The summer arrival of Ten Hag from Ajax gave the fans some hope that the midfielder could finally get his time to shine at United after struggling to make an impression in the Everton team.
Van de Beek has yet to start a United game this season, and he is currently sidelined and not participating in full training with the team.
The gaffer revealed that Van de Beek was unable to play due to fitness issues and he also talked about the midfielder’s chances of playing any further for United.
While speaking to the club’s official website, he said:
“He has to be fit. Obviously, that is a disadvantage. He is now here for two-and-a-half years. He had pre-season, that was quite okay, then his chances will come.”
“When he came on against Brighton, he came on as a sub and did very well, but you have to be available and, when you are not available, you cannot get a place in the first XI. Now he has to make sure he gets fit and fights for his position.”
Ten Hag preferred to pair Fred with Scott McTominay in midfield even during the preseason when United hadn’t yet acquired Christian Eriksen.
Van de Beek was physically fit at the time, but he was never given the opportunity to play in the starting XI under his new boss.
The majority of his playing time came as a substitute, alongside many young players who were gaining experience.
It is unclear if he will be given such chances by Ten Hag; but he must get fit to prove his worth. If he is good to go, it will be up to the midfielder to seize those opportunities.
