Manchester United hero Dimitar Berbatov has slammed his former club for spending money to “satisfy” fans amid Donny van de Beek’s struggles at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils are currently top of the Premier League, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men suffered an early blow in the start of their Champions League campaign.
Cristiano Ronaldo fired United into the lead against Young Boys on Tuesday, only for the Premier League club to suffer a shock 2-1 defeat at the full-time whistle.
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Van de Beek, who has failed to establish himself as a regular in Solskjaer’s starting XI, surprisingly started for United in their Champions League opener.
However, the 24-year-old Dutch midfielder was withdrawn at half-time for United centre-back Raphael Varane.
Now, Berbatov has insisted that Van de Beek is “running out of time” at United and he has not had a chance to show “what he can do.”
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The 40-year-old former striker also said it was a “pity” it hasn’t worked out well for the Netherlands international after how much United paid for him.
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However, Berbatov accused United of needlessly spending big money to satisfy their fans.
“United midfielder Donny van de Beek is running out of time to save his United career,” he told Betfair.
“He started against Young Boys but was substituted at half-time. This has been the story of his time at the club. If he plays, he's brought off. If he comes on, he gets 10 minutes. He never gets the chance to settle and show what he can do.
“It's just not working out for Donny van de Beek. It's a pity because United paid big money for him. But this is what happens when you spend money just to satisfy your fans.
“I still hope he gets a proper chance but it is going to be very difficult for him and the club may decide to cut their losses, if they can.”
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Solskjaer has now lost seven of his 11 Champions League matches after Tuesday’s defeat, with Berbatov suggesting he won’t be sacked so early into the season.
“That record is not good enough. I get that but sometimes there is more to football than the statistics show,” Berbatov added.
“Is Solskjaer’s job at risk after the defeat in Switzerland? Come on, you can’t be serious.
“United have played four games in the Premier League and won three of them. One defeat in the Champions League does not put Ole’s job in jeopardy.
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“I don’t see any point in discussing Solskjaer’s future so early in the season. United have a strong squad, have made excellent signings who are bedding in and we should judge them at the end of the group stage, not after one match.”
United will resume their Premier League campaign on 19th September against West Ham at the London Stadium.
Featured Image Credit: Betfair/PATopics: Dimitar Berbatov, Donny van de Beek, Manchester United, Premier League, England, Football