Manchester United Hero Dimitar Berbatov Names 'One Of The Most Disappointing Transfers Ever'

Dimitar Berbatov has admitted that it is “really strange” and a “surprising situation” that Donny van de Beek finds himself in at Manchester United.

Van de Beek has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford since his £35m transfer from Ajax in September 2020.

The 24-year-old Dutch midfielder, who was once a target for Real Madrid, made only four starts in the Premier League last season under United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Van de Beek has once again found himself on the bench for the current season and did not play a single minute for the Red Devils against Leeds United, Southampton or Wolves.

The former Ajax star’s woes continued after Louis van Gaal left him out of the Netherlands’ squad ahead of next month’s World Cup qualifiers.

Berbatov has insisted that it “doesn't make sense” why United splashed out a significant fee for Van de Beek only for him to not start matches.

PA

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The 40-year-old United fan-favourite added that Van de Beek might be “one of the most disappointing transfers ever.”

Speaking to Betfair, Berbatov said: “I don't think we're going to see any more playing time from Donny van de Beek.

“It's a really strange, disappointing and surprising situation. They spent around £35million 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.”

Berbatov claimed that the struggling Van de Beek “should push to leave” Old Trafford if he is unhappy with his situation at United.

And the Bulgarian former striker (correctly) predicted that the Netherlands international’s place in the national team was at “risk” with the arrival of Van Gaal.

PA

“He [Van de Beek] has got a lot of quality,” Berbatov added.

“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 likes his players to play football.

“Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes are untouchable in the United midfield at the moment. Scott McTominay, Fred and even 33-year-old Nemanja Matic are ahead of Van de Beek.”

Topics: Donny van de Beek, Dimitar Berbatov, Manchester United, Premier League, England, Football

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz is a journalist for SPORTbible. He studied for a B.A. in History at the University of York and followed it up with an M.A. in Multimedia Journalism at MMU. Before he started writing about sports, he spent over four years in the gaming press. He has worked for several publications, including Hardcore Gamer, LADbible and the Manchester Evening News. Follow him on Twitter to find out what he is working on next. Got a story tip for Adnan? Email him: [email protected]

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