Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that summer signing Donny van de Beek will start in the side’s FA Cup third-round tie against Watford. The Dutch midfielder has struggled for game-time since arriving at the Theatre of Dreams, but this could provide him with another chance to prove himself to the manager.
Donny van de Beek Will Start Against Watford
Lacking Game-Time
Some fans and pundits alike have been rather confused about United’s acquisition of Van de Beek.
The Dutch midfielder was a regular in the Ajax side for over three seasons but has only completed a full 90 minutes on three occasions since his move to Manchester.
One reason for this is the amount of competition for places in the Manchester United midfield. Those who can play in the middle of the park for the Red Devils include Fred, Scott McTominay, Nemanja Matic, and Paul Pogba. Due to the success of a Fred and McTominay double pivot, as well as the quality and experience of Matic and Pogba, it has been very difficult for Van de Beek to nail down a place in the starting lineup.
While the former Ajax man can also play as an attacking midfielder, United’s depth there is immense too, with Bruno Fernandes, Juan Mata, and Jesse Lingard all natural number tens.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer spoke on this matter recently, assuring everyone that Van de Beek will receive his game-time in due course: “Donny has played well when he’s got the chance,” he said.
“I think we are too quick sometimes to jump on that if he isn’t playing, that it is a failure.
“Victor [Lindelof] and Fred are good examples in my team that it takes a little bit of time and now they are massively important players in our squad and in our team and it will be the same with Donny.”
Solskjaer Confirms Van de Beek Will Start Against Watford
Solskjaer has now confirmed that United’s FA Cup tie with Watford will provide Van de Beek with another opportunity to impress, saying: “Donny is going to play tomorrow, it’s another chance for him. And, yes, I’ve spoken to him and made him aware of how much we rate him, but he will play tomorrow and it’s a good chance again for him to kick on.”
If he puts on an impressive performance, the 23-year-old may see himself get more opportunities in the league, especially with the ongoing fixture congestion meaning that others need a rest.
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