'I deserved more chances' - Van de Beek opens up on not being given opportunity at Man United

Following his move from Ajax in 2020, the Dutchman had a difficult four years at Old Trafford. 

He played in only 62 matches and scored two goals for Manchester United before leaving the club last summer.

Since his £500,000 summer transfer to Girona, Van de Beek has once again found consistent playing time with the Catalan club. 

Reflecting on his Manchester United tenure, Van de Beek believes he maximised his efforts to succeed, but external factors hindered his progress.

Speaking to Sport Bible, he said, "I was with Ajax at a training camp in Austria. After a training session, I was recovering in the hotel spa when my agent phoned. He told me United had called and that talks were underway. I said, 'Just do it'. 

“It was honestly incredible to be there. I remember my first training sessions—I had so much energy in my body. Being at such a big club was fantastic. I even scored in my first Premier League game, which was a great feeling.

"I think I deserved more chances, especially in my first year. I didn’t play all the time, but when I did, I had some good games. I was convinced I would get more opportunities. I felt good, and thought, ‘Okay, my time will come’ but for some reason, it didn’t happen. 

“It was tough because sometimes you want more chances, but it’s not always in your hands. That’s how football is — some coaches give you more opportunities, others don’t. Looking back, I can say I gave everything in those years. 

“I really tried to break into the team. I was convinced I could do it. I was confident I had the quality and ability to show something, but it just didn’t work out.

"After a year or two, it gets harder because if you don’t get a longer run of games, then it’s difficult to prove yourself. 

“When you first arrive, you might get more chances, but that never happened for me. I always hoped to have a run of games, but I never really got that."

Meanwhile, Manchester United will face Tottenham in the final of the UEFA Europa League on Wednesday as they look to win a trophy despite their poor campaign.

Following their European final in Bilbao on Wednesday, Rúben Amorim's side will conclude their 2024-25 Premier League season at Old Trafford against Aston Villa on Sunday.