Ralf Rangnick's assessment of Donny van de Beek's contribution against Aston Villa has NOT gone down well with Manchester United fans.
Van de Beek made a cameo appearance as his side narrowly beat Villa on Monday to book their spot in the next round of the FA Cup.
He replaced Edinson Cavani in the 72nd minute, slotting in midfield in a diamond after the team had initially set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
The German boss praised the Dutchman's efforts in the middle of the park and claimed his side controlled the game following the player's introduction.
But his comments on Van de Beek don't sit well with some Man United fans on social media.
Despite his encouraging performance in the second half, people reckon Rangnick will still bench the 24-year-old for their Premier League match against Villa on Saturday.
Rangnick explained: "The game against Villa today confirmed, with a minimum three central midfielders, we had problems in times of the game to control the centre of the pitch.
"From the very moment when we changed to a diamond in the last 20 minutes, when Donny came on, from then on we controlled the game, we had our counter-attack situations."
In reaction to the interim-manager's words, one fan reacted by tweeting: "This is why we’ll never progress, people will make claims like this and then he’ll be benched again next game... reward good performances."
A second wrote: "Only for him to be benched again."
A third commented: "SO PLAY HIM! You want control but you play Marcus and McFred. Play Donny with Sancho as well. Hell, through Matic in there too. The treatment of Donny will fracture a locker room."
A fourth added: "Watch him still bench Van de Beek."
Van de Beek has continued to play second fiddle since the arrival of Rangnick.
But could he be in line for a rare league start against Villa? Let us know what you think.
Topics: Donny van de Beek, Ralf Rangnick, Football, Manchester United
Nasir Jabbar