Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has defended midfielder Donny van de Beek.
The Dutchman arrived at United from Ajax in the summer, but has struggled to get enough game time.
He started the 3-1 defeat to Leicester City in the FA Cup quarter finals on Sunday.
Van de Beek was anonymous for much of the game, although he did make a clever dummy that led to Mason Greenwood's goal for United in the first half.
Ferdinand told VIBE with Five: "I feel for him. I don't care who you are - if you're playing the odd two minutes here and there, three minutes here and there, you cannot perform. I don't care what level of player you are.
"I don't think he's been helped in terms of team selection and opportunities so I don't think it's fair to say he's underperforming because he's not been put in a position to perform yet on a consistent basis.
"I really do feel for him but it would be interesting to hear what he was sold and told on the way in because the lack of opportunities, I don't think
Ferdinand continued: "I watched him a hell of a lot in the Champions League in the year they had a good run to the semi-finals, Ajax.
"He was so impressive in the way he arrived in the box, the way he could play deeper as well and keep the ball, keep the game ticking.
"I think he would add value to this team, definitely. He's someone who would create goals, he played a part in the goal (vs Leicester). When he gets in the box, he knows how to put the ball in the back of the net.
"But to get in the box he's got to play in the position where Bruno Fernandes is playing and he's not going to do that. Can he do it from No 8 position or No 6 when he's holding? I think he can. He's intelligent enough.
"Ajax players are brought up to be intelligent footballers, they are able to play multiple positions, he can do that. It's just obviously United want a stiffer central midfield area behind Bruno.
"I get that, given that's got to be protecting the centre backs and that's not going to be one of Van de Beek's strengths. But then it begs the question: why buy him then?"
