Donny van de Beek exploded with frustration in the dugout as he was left on the bench for a sixth time this campaign during Manchester United’s 2-1 wi over Villarreal.
The midfielder may have fancied his chances of coming into the team after their 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa, but Solskjaer opted for a midfield of Paul Pogba, McTominay and Bruno Fernandes.
Cristiano Ronaldo was the hero of the thrilling Group F clash, squeezing home a late winner after Alex Telles cancelled out Paco Alcacer’s opening goal with a stunning volley.
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But Van de Beek’s furious reaction as Fred and Lingard were introduced instead of him in the 89th minute was the topic of conversation for United supporters after the game.
A visibly angry Van de Beek had to be consoled by the club’s fellow unused substitutes Eric Bailly and Dean Henderson.
The Netherlands international then proceeded to throw his gum down in anger at the direction of Solskjaer and his assistant Mike Phelan.
And though Van de Beek was later seen celebrating Ronaldo’s strike, it’s clear he is growing increasingly agitated with his situation at the club.
Van de Beek recently spoke with Rio Ferdinand about his opening 12 months at Old Trafford and conceded he would prefer to play in a deeper midfield role for United this season.
Solskjaer has repeatedly talked up Van de Beek’s qualities and, in an interview with Beyond the Pitch, the United manager said: ‘Donny has very good qualities.
‘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.’
