Donny van de Beek admits “I would have liked to play more” since joining Manchester United

Donny van de Beek admitted he was desperate to get more playing time under his belt after joining Manchester United last summer.

Van de Beek has yet to start a Premier League match this season since United snatched him from his boys’ club Ajax on a £ 40m deal, despite a string of impressive appearances as both a substitute and in the Champions League.

The 23-year-old was looking forward to begging for patience when he spoke after scoring in Holland’s 1-1 draw against Spain on Wednesday night, but couldn’t help but say he would have liked to be used more regularly by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Donny van de Beek has admitted that he is looking to play more regularly at Manchester United

Van de Beek scored for the Netherlands in a 1-1 draw against Spain on Wednesday night

Competition in midfield is tough at United with Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba in the squad

‘It seems a cliché for me to say, because obviously I would have liked to play more, but I really enjoy being in a good team. I am simply very well received and helped by everyone, “Van de Beek told NOS.

‘I’m a patient person, but of course you go there to play as much as possible. I also think – in the minutes I did, in the times I entered – that I have shown that I can add something to the team. ‘

Van de Beek admitted speaking to Solskjaer about his lack of playing time – so far he’s only clocked up 75 minutes in the Premier League – and the United boss backs him up.

He scored on his substitute debut in United’s 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. For the past few weeks, Solskjaer has used it in a diamond formation for Champions League matches, notable in his impressive 5-0 win over RB Leipzig.

But competition in midfield is fierce at United, with Van de Beek battling the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Fred, Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic for the time out on the pitch.

‘What does (Solskjaer) tell me? That I have to be patient, but also that I have to continue with what I am doing “, added Van de Beek.

And who saw that I have a good impact when I arrive on the pitch. My time is definitely coming. And when those opportunities come, I have to be there. ‘

Van de Beek scored on his United debut: a 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford

The Dutchman says Solskjaer told him to be patient and that his time will come at United

Van de Beek has two more games coming in the current international window with the Netherlands, against Bosnia and Herzegovina, followed by a clash with Poland.

United, meanwhile, languish in 14th place in the Premier League table with 10 points from their first seven games.

They have a game in hand in the top four, however, with Southampton currently taking fourth place with 16 points. Solskjaer’s men will meet West Brom at Old Trafford on November 21 after the international break is over.