Much was made of Manchester United’s summer transfer window; for most of it, many were quick to criticise those at Old Trafford for failing to splash the cash as fans watched on in hope of one day seeing Jadon Sancho walk through the doors of Old Trafford.
Sancho’s arrival never came, however. Instead, it was Donny van de Beek who walked through the famous Old Trafford doors: an attacking midfielder who plays in the position of Bruno Fernandes: the first and most immovable name on the Manchester United team sheet. So why, when considering this, was it Donny van de Beek who walked through those aforementioned doors?
A lot was needed at United in the summer, but a creative midfielder should not have been on that list. Yet, as the moans and groans grew louder, in a moment of panic; an attempt to silence the criticism; it was a creative midfielder who was being presented as the newest arrival.
Now, just a month later, that same creative midfielder sits on the bench week in week out, predictably unable to gain a starting place over Bruno Fernandes.
Donny van de Beek Was a Signing of Panic From Manchester Unite
Will There Ever Be a Place for Donny van de Beek?
With Manchester United’s lack of form so far this season, one would assume that a place for Donny van de Beek is there to be had in place of those underperforming. Perhaps a change of position is needed for the Dutchman to see him finally make Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting lineup.
Currently, the former Ajax man is left with a place on the bench, losing the battle for a starting place against Fernandes. A sudden position change could see him become part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans, however. Instead of playing in the ‘Fernandes role’ behind the striker, the Dutchman could take up a deeper role, allowing him to create from afar.
By doing this, he’ll need to adapt his game, yes, but, it could be the only route into the United starting lineup for Donny van de Beek. Instead of competing with Fernandes, he’ll be competing with Fred and Scott McTominay for a place. All of a sudden, a starting place becomes far more realistic and that £30 million move becomes far less pointless.
The move into a deeper role could also allow van de Beek to become a controller of the game, dictating play with his passing capabilities and feeding the likes of Fernandes and Marcus Rashford. In one swift act, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could turn a signing of panic into one of genius by those at Old Trafford.
Donny van de Beek Will ‘Get His Games’ Says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Following a 0-0 draw with Chelsea, in which Donny van de Beek was an unused substitute, Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer assured Sky Sports that the Dutchman will get his opportunities at Old Trafford, saying: “He’ll get his games, don’t worry about that.”
With RB Leipzig to come in midweek, it will certainly be interesting to see whether or not Donny van de Beek finally makes the Manchester United lineup as they look to make it two wins from two in the Champions League.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
