Manchester United misfit Donny van de Beek has been advised on his future by former Netherlands international Dirk Kuyt as his difficult start to life in a red shirt continues.
Van de Beek has been unable to secure a place in the Red Devils’ line-up since joining from Ajax last summer.
He has made just 13 Premier League appearances, with only two of them as a starter. In fact, he has seen just 313 minutes of top flight action this season in total.
With Bruno Fernandes established as the main man, it has meant opportunities have been limited for the 23-year-old. Barring an injury or suspension to Fernandes, that is unlikely to change any time soon.
As a result, there has already been talk that the Dutchman could depart the club in the next transfer window.
There was talk that he was going to leave during January, but United rejected offers from clubs hoping to take him on loan.
That came after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer moved to reassure van de Beek over his value to the team. But that hasn’t ended the speculation.
Kuyt urges patience
But former Liverpool man Kuyt has told van de Beek to bide his time at Old Trafford, insisting things will improve for him later down the line.
Kuyt, now retired, made 208 Premier League appearances for the Reds after joining from Feyenoord in 2006.
And he says the transition from playing in Holland to England is a factor in van de Beek’s slow start.
“The step from the Eredivise to the Premier League is an even bigger step then when I was going to the Premier League from the Eredivisie,” he told Sky Sports (via the Mirror).
“We see then same with [Chelsea winger Hakim] Ziyech, so we need to give the players a little bit of time.
“But I think Donny has been very unfortunate because there are no better players than [Bruno] Fernandes at the moment in the world. And he’s playing in his position, so that makes it very tough for him.
“I think Donny van de Beek has shown in the Champions League last year how good of a player he is, so his time will come.”
Van de Beek scored 10 goals and assisted 11 for Ajax last term. He was also a key part of their run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2018/19.
His performances made him one of the most highly-rated young players in Europe. However, his progress has undoubtedly been hampered since moving to United.
READ MORE: Manchester United are set to hold talks with Edinson Cavani over his future.
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