Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has explained his reasoning for Donny van de Beek's slow introduction to the team.
The Dutchman, who joined United from Ajax Amsterdam in the most recent transfer window, has spent a large amount of time on the bench, despite performing well whenever he has got the chance to come on.
This approach was criticised by a number of personalities in the media, including Netherlands legend Marco van Basten.
Van de Beek was finally given a start in United's 5-0 demolition of RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, and Solskjaer has since explained his reasoning behind the way he has integrated the midfielder into his starting XI.
"When players come into a new team, a new league, it's always going to be a time that he adapts. When Donny has played, he's played really well," the Norwegian said, according to the Daily Mirror.
"It says a lot about our depth of quality in the squad that we don't have to use him every game. It also says everything about our ambitions.
"Donny is going to play a big, big part this year. I know, at the moment, the topic is Donny van de Beek.
"It's nice for some players and commentators to have a little go, but you have to know that you don't have to start the first three games to be a very important player in the squad. He's going to be important, don't worry about that."
