Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists summer signing Donny Van De Beek has a “big, big part” to play for Manchester United this season despite the midfielder’s limited role to date.

Expectations were high after United pulled off somewhat of a coup in signing the talented 23-year-old from Ajax for an initial fee of 39 million euros (£34.1m).

But Van De Beek has started more matches for Holland than United since making the switch, having been restricted to five appearances off the bench and just two starting roles in the Carabao Cup.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side may be widely disliked but they boast some outstanding talents, including French defender Dayot Upamecano – the 22-year-old strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford over the summer.

“There’s always rumours and speculation about good players for Manchester United,” Solskjaer said of the centre-back ahead of Wednesday’s Group H encounter.

“I’ve always tried to respect that they are players for other teams and don’t want to comment on every player that we are linked to.

“But since he’s playing against us tomorrow, I know he’s a very good player so we can see him close up tomorrow.”