Donny van de Beek

Ole: Donny and Mason are stronger

Friday 13 August 2021 22:30

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists Donny van de Beek and Mason Greenwood are in the perfect position to improve as we head into the new campaign.

Van de Beek has yet to hold down a place in the side since his arrival from Ajax back in September 2020 and with Academy graduate Greenwood still only 19, the manager feels there is more to come from both over the next nine months or so.

The Reds manager has assured supporters that the pair are doing all they can in terms of their own physical development.

“I think it’s a combination of many things. You can say with Donny, he’s had the summer away, he was injured and he’s had his own fitness regime and programme,’’ explained Solskjaer.

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“I think he felt the Premier League is different and that he needs to build up that physical strength. He’s looking good. He’s still not lost his endurance and his movement, so that’s very good.

“Mason is a combination of age, because he is just filling out as a young boy, but the common denominator is the work they do with the fitness staff here. I’ve got some unbelievable staff.

“This club has done it with so many players, Cristiano [Ronaldo] was one of the prime examples of coming in as a kid and getting this physical development with the quality of staff that I’ve got.”

We are known for our superb development of young players as countless examples have gone on to reach the highest level.

Ole went on to explain that having the physical base and durability to compete is vital in what is one of the most demanding leagues in world football.

“It’s important, imperative in fact in the Premier League that you do have that robustness. I don’t want my players to break anyone’s noses but you need to make sure you’re felt out there,” he explained.

“You can’t just play nice football.”

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