Donny Van de Beek believes his patience is finally paying off at Manchester United after a frustrating start to life at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman made a £40million move to United from Ajax at the beginning of September, but had to wait until last weekend for his first Premier League start at Southampton.
Van de Beek’s representative Sjaak Swart has expressed the frustration felt in the player’s camp over his lack of opportunities, but the 23-year-old believes it was worth the wait.
‘I just work hard every day and I know that I can give the team something extra and help a lot,’ said Van de Beek. ‘So, yeah, I was just patient.’
The midfielder insists it has been easy to fit in at United because of the calibre of his new team-mates, even though it has meant playing in several different roles.
‘I think they understand it already because they’re world-class players, so there’s no difference (compared to Ajax),’ he added.
‘I play with new team-mates and you need to understand each other. We understand each other. I can play that kind of style with them.
‘Also in Ajax before, I played in a lot of different positions. I played No 8, No 10 and even No 6 so I am used to it and I playing a lot of different positions.’
Edinson Cavani came off the bench to score twice at Southampton on Sunday and Van de Beek believes United’s other new signing creates new opportunities for the midfield as well.
‘I think it’s really important because, especially for me, if you come in the box it gives you some extra space. The defenders always look to strikers so it gives extra space for the midfielders.’
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