Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Slated For 'Disgraceful' Donny Van De Beek Decision

Donny van de Beek was brought on with just four minutes to go as Manchester United tried to stage a late fightback in their Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Manchester City; a decision that was slated by many supporters.

It has been a difficult start to life at Old Trafford for the £35 million man signed from Ajax in the summer.

The 23-year-old, who signed a five-year deal at the end of August, continues to be given a 'bit-part' job by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. In fact, Van de Beek has made ten appearances in the Premier League this season but has started just two of those games.

And it was the same old story for the midfielder in last night's cup tie against City, where he was brought on with just a few minutes remaining in their 2-0 defeat.

Image: PA

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has continued to assure Van de Beek of his importance to the club's long-term plans, and recently claimed that he will be a key player for United in the future.

"Donny has played well when he's got the chance," he said this week. "I think we are too quick sometimes to jump on that if he isn't playing, that it is a failure.

"Victor [Lindelof] and Fred are good examples in my team that it takes a little bit of time and now they are massively important players in our squad and in our team and it will be the same with Donny."

But let's be real, what sort of an impact can you make from the subs bench in such a short period of time? It was something that many fans on social media pointed out during and after the game against Manchester City.

As mentioned earlier, it has certainly been a tough start to life at Old Trafford and ahead of the clash against Manchester City on Wednesday night, Van de Beek was advised to take drastic action should he not play against Pep Guardiola's side.

The United midfielder's lack of match time over the Christmas period has caught the eye of the press in his native homeland, with a report in Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf suggesting he should 'pack his bags straight away' if he is snubbed for the upcoming City clash.

Thoughts on the Dutchman's future at United? Does he deserve to given more opportunities to impress?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Manchester City, Football News, Carabao Cup, Donny van de Beek, Football, Manchester United, Holland

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_