Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has explained why Donny van de Beek has not featured much during the 2020/21 season to date.
Van de Beek was United's first signing of the summer transfer window when he arrived at Old Trafford from Ajax in September for a fee rising to £40m.
However, the Dutch international is yet to start a Premier League game under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season and has been limited to five cameo appearances, with two starts in the Carabao Cup.
Solskjaer, when asked about Van de Beek, was adamant that he would still have a 'big part' to play for his team in the remainder of the campaign.
The United boss said: "It says a lot about our depth of quality that we don't have to use him in every game, it says it all about our ambitions.
"It's nice for some players and commentators to have a little go. I know you're short on time on television and have to put your point across quickly, but you have to know you don't have to start the first three games to know you're an important part of the squad.
"I'd be disappointed if some of my team-mates said I wasn't important at Manchester United but I didn't start many games. Donny will be very, very important for us. Don't worry about that."
Hargreaves, when asked about the £40m signing, alluded to United's recruitment process with Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes - who play similar positions to the 23-year-old - already at the club.
Asked why Van de Beek has not started regularly for United, Hargreaves told BT Sport: "Because they have two eights in there in Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba.
"Again it comes down to recruitment. Liverpool, when they need something, they get something they don't have.
"I'm sure he is going to get a run of games but when you spend £40 million on a player you'd like to think he'd play, but I think Ole will find a place when it's available."
