Holland legend Marco Van Basten claims Van de Beek will regret £40m move to Manchester United

Holland legend Marco Van Basten claims Donny van de Beek will come to regret his summer move to Manchester United.

The 23-year-old midfielder has only played 61 minutes in the Premier League for the Old Trafford side after arriving from Ajax for £40million in the summer.

The Holland international was once again left on the bench by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – who has promised Van de Beek he will get minutes this season – in United’s dour 0-0 draw at home to Chelsea. 

But speaking on Rondo, a programme aired on Dutch television channel Ziggo Sport, Van Basten believes his compatriot should have waited to assess his options instead of jumping at the chance to join United.

‘Donny should not have gone to Manchester United,’ Van Basten said. ‘When you are a good player you want to play every week.

‘It is really bad for a player like Donny to play only six or seven games this year. That is shocking for your match rhythm.

‘I know he is earning loads and loads more than he used to. But as a top player you have to be critical and look at the chances of playing when you sign for a new club.

‘Donny should have waited for better prospects and signed for another club.’ 

Van Basten’s comments come after former United left back Patrice Evra questioned why the club had even brought Van de Beek to the club.

Speaking after the goalless draw against Chelsea, Evra said: ‘We’re talking about Van de Beek, nothing against the kid, but why have we bought him?

‘He’s watching the game from the stand every game. We don’t need him, that’s the truth.’

Fellow Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville said Van de Beek himself will be questioning why he was signed if he is not part of the manager’s immediate plans.

‘What is a little bit of a mystery is the use of Van de Beek since he’s been signed for £40million,’ Neville added.

‘He doesn’t seem to be at the forefront of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans in every game. 

‘It’s a bit of a mystery that one. And the more he doesn’t start, and the more he doesn’t come on, the more you’re thinking, “Well £40m player, ordinarily you’d get him in the team”.

‘He must be thinking: “What am I doing here?’ at this moment in time.’ 

Van de Beek has made just two starts for United this season, which came in Carabao Cup victories against Luton and Brighton.