Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek made headlines with his displeasure at not being substituted in Wednesday’s Champions League match against Villarreal.
In the final minutes, coach Ole Gunnar Solskjær chose to make his last changes in the match when Fred and Jesse Lingard came on the field. Despite the fact that Solskjær had the opportunity to make another substitution, the other substitutes were asked to sit on the bench again – which van de Beek did not appreciate.
TV pictures from the match shows how an upset van de Beek is patted on the bench by his teammates before throwing his chewing gum in frustration in the technical area. The 24-year-old seemed to be anything but happy when United chased a lead goal at the time.
On Friday, Solskjær held a press conference ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Everton, where he explained the missed exchange.
– Donny was ready to jump in. I’ve been a replacement more than anyone else in this club probably – I have to hold the record – and you have to be ready all the time. I have been dissatisfied a few times, says Solskjær and continues:
– Alex Telles resigned as left back and Fred did the job well. I understand the frustration (from van de Beek). All players are eager to play. It has to be built up to energy and determination when you get in and show me what you stand for.
However, Solskjær is clear in pointing out that van de Beek’s actions have not affected his teammates negatively.
– I have a squad full of national team players and if we are to be successful we need positive energy, no one who bulls. Donny has never negatively affected his teammates. As soon as I see players doing that, it is a different scenario and then I will probably be tougher, says the United manager.
See situation when van de Beek is not substituted in the player above.
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