Rangnick Has Realised Solskjaer Was Right About Van de Beek

Donny van de Beek’s struggles at Manchester United were expected to follow Ole Gunnar Solskjaer out of the door. But more than a month into Ralf Rangnick’s tenure, the Dutchman still finds himself in a state of limbo at Old Trafford.

Van de Beek is yet to start in the Premier League this season, and has been handed just six league minutes by Rangnick. His only start under the German came in the Champions League against Young Boys. Even there, he was involved in the passage of play that led to the visitors’ equaliser, much to Rangnick’s annoyance.

Bruno Fernandes is believed to be one of the main reasons behind Van de Beek’s lack of game time, as the Portuguese has been United’s first choice playmaker. Surprisingly, even in his absence against Burnley, the 24-year-old was an unused sub in his side’s 3-1 win before the new year.

Like his predecessor, Rangnick is aware of the Ajax academy graduate’s talent in possession. But the interim boss is seemingly coming to the same conclusion that the midfielder, who struggles to cover the ground in training, is not suited to the physical demands of English football, reports The Athletic.

Considering both managers are in agreement regarding Van de Beek’s assessment, it’s better for United to cut their losses and let him leave this month.