Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s staff didn’t feel that Donny van de Beek had the ‘right’ personality needed to deal with the pressure of playing for Manchester United, according to stunning reports.
The 24-year-old Dutch midfielder has endured a nightmare spell at Old Trafford since his £35m move from Ajax in 2020.
Van de Beek has not started a single Premier League match for United this season, with all three of his appearances coming as a substitute.
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The former Ajax star came off the bench and scored in Watford’s 4-1 thumping of 10-men United at Vicarage Road on Saturday.
United announced on Sunday that Solskjaer had been sacked, with the Red Devils six points adrift from a top-four position in the league table.
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Van de Beek has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford in January amid uncertainty surrounding his United future.
The Times’ Paul Hirst now reports that Solskjaer’s team were unconvinced with the Dutchman’s subdued personality and were unsure he could manage playing under the immense pressure.
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According to reports, both Van de Beek and many of his United teammates were ‘shocked’ by how he was being treated at Old Trafford.
The Netherlands international, who has been linked with Newcastle and Everton, made 36 appearances across all competitions for United last season.
United legend Rio Ferdinand recently urged Van de Beek to consider his options at the Red Devils, including a potential exit from the club.
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Former Red Devils striker Dimitar Berbatov was also critical of his former club after claiming that Van de Beek is “one of the most disappointing transfers ever.”
United are now scouting for an interim manager to lead United to the end of the season after Solskjaer’s dismissal.
Michael Carrick has stepped in as caretaker manager for the time being and will lead United for Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Villarreal.
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An emotional Solskjaer admitted that he is “very proud” at what he achieved as United head coach and it was a “dream” come true to manage the club.
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Speaking in his farewell interview, he told United’s official website: “Very, very proud. Of course, it’s one of those things you dream of in your life.
“When you’ve been a player, when you’ve been a reserve team coach, the next job then, the only dream and the only thing you haven’t done is to manage the club, and I have now.
“It’s been a ball, it’s been absolutely enjoyable from the first to the last minute, so I have to thank all the players because since I came in, they’re top lads, top people.
“Some have come, some have gone, but all of them, they’ve been such an enjoyable bunch to work with.”
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Donny van de Beek, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manchester United, Premier League, England, Football
