Donny van de Beek teased by Man Utd Women’s star over Old Trafford struggles

Donny van de Beek’s compatriot and fellow Manchester United star Jackie Groenen has aimed a jibe over the former Ajax star’s lack of minutes at Old Trafford this season.

Van de Beek was signed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last summer, with hopes high that he could have an immediate impact in his opening season in English football.

That hasn’t gone to plan however, and the 24-year-old has struggled for minutes, particularly in the Premier League.

In fact, Van de Beek hasn’t started a league game in 2021 and has only played more than 20 minutes on one occasion since the start of December.

Groenen signed for Manchester United Women team in the summer of 2019 meanwhile, and is a key part of Casey Stoney’s side.

And after they made their debut at The Theatre of Dreams last month, the Netherlands international admitted she had a special message for Van de Beek.

"I joked the other day by telling him that I've played Old Trafford more times than he has,” Groenen joked with ESPN.

“I think he's having a good time, so it must be fine. I talk to him regularly.”

Groenen played the duration of United’s WSL clash with West Ham in March, meaning she is only around one hour short of the Dutchman’s league total in the same stadium.

Van de Beek has faced some pressure to make a decision about his future, particularly with the European Championships just a few months away.

Netherlands manager Frank De Boer admitted he had been in contact with the midfielder’s agent, who confirmed that while he isn’t happy with his current situation, he is not prepared to give up on his fledgling United career.

“His agent also told me that of course he's not happy that he's not playing. He's only had two starts under Solskjaer and that's not what he hoped for when he joined Man Utd,” De Boer told talkSPORT last month.

“He's not worried, of course he wants to play every game. But he's not worried that he can't succeed.

“He has to have a review after this year, asking where do I stand? Do I have a possibility to succeed here or not? Otherwise, I have to make a move.

“We will see where he's heading next year, maybe he stays at Man Utd or maybe another club is interesting for him.

“But he's not panicking at all, he told the manager he's so happy at Man Utd because the club is one of the best in terms of how they treat him, he feels loved.”

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