Solskjaer's wrong Alexis Sanchez vow doesn't bode well for Van de Beek

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues to cop criticism for Donny van de Beek's lack of playing time at Manchester United.

The Norwegian is trying to keep a host of talented players happy at Old Trafford, but the Dutchman seems to have been cast aside.

Solskjaer has denied that Van de Beek has been "frozen out" despite his lack of game time.

The 24-year-old has made just one substitute appearance in the Premier League thus far with his frustration evident.

United spent £40m to sign him from Ajax just over a year ago, but that piece of recruitment has been anything but a success and already a move way is being touted.

Donny van de Beek has struggled for minutes this term

Earlier this year Solskjaer defended the Dutchman, insisting last season would serve him well for the current campaign.

He said: "He is always ready, he always works hard in training, he's positive and he will make differences in many games for us this season. He will grow more and more for next year."

However the United boss has previously made strong statements about players that were ultimately way off the mark.

In his first summer as boss he wielded the axe with a host of names leaving as he shaped his squad.

Alexis Sanchez was allowed to depart on loan and headed to Inter Milan, where he has again failed to match expectations.

But whilst in Italy Solskjaer was adamant that Chilean would return to Manchester and show his quality.

"Alexis will come back in the summer and prove you all wrong," he said.

Sanchez has never returned and Inter and now looking to move him on.

Solskjaer has a star-studded frontline that features the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood.

Competition for places is naturally high whilst one of Van de Beek's preferred roles is occupied by talisman Bruno Fernandes.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claimed Alexis Sanchez would make a positive return to Manchester

However the United boss spoke of his versatility recently, although he is yet to truly utilise the Dutchman.

"Donny has very good qualities," he said. "He's had a disappointing season last year, a disappointing end when he got his injury and stopped him playing for Holland at the Euros.

"He has worked really hard. He's waiting to be unleashed and to show what he can do. He can play as a six in a (midfield) two, he can play as an eight as an attacking midfielder, as a 10, we have used him on the wide left coming inside.

"He is a footballer with many qualities that we like at the club but yes, he can play as one of the two in midfield."