Dimitar Berbatov urges Man Utd outcast to change his mind and leave
Dimitar Berbatov has urged an outcast at his former team Manchester United to change his mind and leave the club this summer.
United have a stacked squad for the season ahead and one that their fans will believe can challenge for the Premier League title. Their attacking depth especially is frightening. The acquisition of Jadon Sancho has added further to an already strong offensive presence.
One man that finds himself very much on the fringe of that presence is Donny van de Beek.
Despite his £35m arrival from Ajax last summer, he has struggled for game time and looks no closer to the starting XI this season.
Even though it’s been far from the dream start to life in Manchester, it is understood that van de Beek is adamant on remaining with the Red Devils this season.
But Berbatov thinks this could be the wrong decision. Indeed, he is suggesting the Dutch international should push for an exit.
“I don’t think we’re going to see any more playing time from Donny van de Beek,” Berbatov told Betfair.
“It’s a really strange, disappointing and surprising situation. They spent around £35 million on him and, to pay that for a player who isn’t starting many games, doesn’t make sense.
“I’m not blaming the player at all, but for me it’s one of the most disappointing transfers ever.
“He has got a lot of quality. I don’t like it when clubs buy for the sake of buying and this is one of those situations. I’m sure he’s banging on the manager’s door and asking questions.
“I think if he’s not happy, Van de Beek should push to leave. His place in the national team is at risk, especially now with Louis van Gaal in charge. Van Gaal is a disciplinarian who like his players to play football.”
Van de Beek has been on the bench for United’s first two games. He has little chance of breaking past Bruno Fernandes or Paul Pogba.
And the trio of Fred, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic have all been utilised in the central positions ahead of him too.
Berbatov draws comparisons from his career
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer offered the 24-year-old some hope of more minutes this season when he praised him on his improved physique.
The Red Devils boss also said earlier this month: “You never know how players from abroad come in, some players need a year.”
But Berbatov has experienced a similar situation in his career that he draws comparisons too.
After spells with Fulham and Monaco he headed to PAOK in Greece. And he also struggled for game time after being sold the project.
“I know how Van de Beek feels,” Berbatov empaphised. “In the late stage of my career I was playing in Greece, the president wanted me and signed me, but the coach didn’t want me and we had some issues.
“It is frustrating for a player. He needs to have a long hard think about his situation and what he wants.”
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