Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at 11:34 PM• Dominic Mostert • Last update: 23:52

Donny van de Beek made his first minutes of play for Manchester United on Tuesday evening since the EFL Cup game against West Ham United (0-1 defeat) on September 22. The midfielder came on four minutes before the end against Atalanta (2-2) in the Champions League and had a chance to score the winning goal in stoppage time. That opportunity turned out not to be for him, but in an interview with RTL7 teammate Luke Shaw praises the Dutchman.

The left back knows that Van de Beek is in a difficult situation. “It doesn’t just apply to Donny. There are many players who play less often than they would like,” said Shaw. “We understand Donny’s feelings. He is a fantastic boy, a very nice boy. We all love him. He is a very good professional. He has not given up, but keeps his head up “Sometimes he might come into the club a little disappointed or sad because he doesn’t play and can’t smell it. But he always works hard and trains well.”

“His attitude and the way he handles the situation are commendable,” Shaw continued. “It’s not an easy situation. I’ve been through it myself. I know how he feels. He must continue as he is doing, because I am sure he will get opportunities.” In ‘s studio RTL7 Van de Beek, however, is advised by Jan Boskamp to leave as soon as possible. “He has to play. He has been messing around on the bench for a year and a half,” said the analyst. Table mate Ron Vlaar awarded Van de Beek the winning goal. “It had been a bit too much of a good thing, but he was in the right place. We were used to that from him at Ajax.”

Donny van de Beek gets minutes! The Dutchman can try in the last minutes to avoid a defeat by Manchester United. #UCL pic.twitter.com/5S7k4vuMpl

— VTBL ? (@vtbl) Nov 2, 2021