INTERVIEWS - Solskjaer on Van de Beek situation: I understand Donny

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was asked about Donny van de Beek's future after the team's incredible comeback victory over Atalanta.

The brilliant Dutchman was unable to participate in the 3-2 victory and was forced to watch from the bench, a position he is familiar with.

Could you explain the position of Van de Beek?

Solksjaer: "At the moment it is hard... I understand Donny. He is frustrated, he is disappointed. I know he is not happy but he is a top professional! He doesn't let himself down and he knows this is how it works in football."

You send him out to warm up, but then you pulled him back again?

Solksjaer: "Everyone warms up all the time, you just have to be ready. We know Donny has the quality to open the door and unlock things when he comes on. But I thought Bruno did okay as well....."

Is it true he could have gone to Everton, but you wanted to keep him?

Solksjaer: "We never received an offer from Everton. For me, he is a Manchester United player. Tonight was another night where he was ready. I know that when he gets his chance he will be ready."

A couple weeks ago he was annoyed and threw his gum and...

Solksjear: "You know! You never swallow your gum! When you are a kid, you have been told. So of course he shouldn't swallow it. And in these COVID days he shouldn't hand it to someone either."