Donny van de Beek has failed to make the grade at Manchester United. Currently on loan at Everton, he is expected to return to Old Trafford at the end of the season. In his time with Ajax, the midfielder played alongside Ajax manager Ten Hag. His relationship with the manager is the most important factor for any player. So what does Donny van de Beek bring to Manchester United?
Donny van de Beek has struggled to break into the first team at Manchester United
After joining the club in PS39 million from Ajax in 2020, Donny van de Beek has found it difficult to establish himself. The Netherlands international made his first senior appearance in a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, but has been largely peripheral since. Despite his impressive score on his United debut, he has only managed to record two goals and two assists in 50 appearances.
A number of players are keen on leaving Old Trafford this January, including Donny van de Beek. He has been linked with a move to Barcelona and Everton after struggling to break into the first team. However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer played down his angry reaction following the 1-0 defeat by Middlesbrough. Donny van de Beek threw his training bib to the floor and chewed gum in frustration.
While Van de Beek was a promising young player during his time at Ajax, his solitary appearance for the Red Devils under Erik ten Hag wasn’t enough to earn him a first-team spot. In fact, he ended up leaving Manchester for Everton in January after struggling to get into the first team. However, his performance in England under the new manager has given him more chances.
It’s easy to understand why Donny van de Beek left Manchester United in January. After all, he had been on loan with Everton for a month, but he has yet to make an appearance under a permanent contract. Donny van de Beek has been a PS35 million signing from Ajax, but he hasn’t managed to secure a regular spot in the first team.
He could play as a sole pressing midfielder
Although Van de Beek’s performances in the attacking midfield position have been mixed, he is arguably United’s best midfielder. While we might want to believe the best players on the pitch are the 11 on the pitch, the reality is much more complicated. Every player has their own strengths and weaknesses. Donny van de Beek has demonstrated his quality and positioning in the midfield position in the past and can play in a single pressing midfielder role.
However, Van de Beek needs a partner in the defensive area to get his work done. The trial run with Nemanja Matic was a disaster – perhaps a small sample size. In addition, Van de Beek needs a partner who can provide the support for him. The only problem is that Matic is only available for half an hour a week. The team needs a centre-back alongside Van de Beek.
Van de Beek has an exceptional level of brains, but the rest of the team doesn’t. That is one of the reasons why he’s been a question mark in United’s build-up play. However, his future looks bright. As long as he can continue to contribute in the midfield, Solskjaer could have a new option to use in attack.
Donny van de Beek’s versatility means that he can play in any position in the midfield for United. While he may be a No 10 in the team, he can also play as an 8 or a six. He has also been in competition with Bruno Fernandes, United’s current trequartista, and de facto leader, who is operating as an eight in Ralf Rangnick’s 4-3-3. He will be evaluated under Ole Gunn Solskjaer when he joins the club in September 2020.
He has a late run into the box
Donny van de Beek has a knack for creating scoring opportunities and has been a constant threat for Manchester United in the recent past. His goal against Crystal Palace is testament to his ability to take on the opposition and create the elusive goal. The Dutchman has played in many positions and has been a key part of Ajax’s success in the Champions League. However, he has come under fire from some fans for his poor handling of the ball.
While his first season at Manchester United was not entirely smooth, he has managed to impress. He started 15 games, starting four of them in the Premier League. In total, he played 36 times in all competitions. Although his impact was limited in the Premier League, he is a valuable addition to the squad. The Dutchman made a late run into the box against Villarreal and scored a penalty after a knockdown from Cristiano Ronaldo.
After a good start against Crystal Palace, Donny van de Beek started back-to-back matches for Manchester United. He started both games against Istanbul Basaksehir and Southampton, playing all 90 minutes in both matches. In one game, he even scored, and then went on to make a crucial contribution to the victory. However, since then, Van de Beek has been a bit of a disappointment at Manchester United, with the team’s current team situation unfavourable to the Dutchman.
The Dutchman has been disappointing for Manchester United since joining the club two years ago. Last season, he only made one Premier League start, making his loan move to Everton a desperate attempt to get a run at the first-team. However, the manager has insisted that Van de Beek is a key part of his plans. He has also been in the headlines of several media outlets.
He is a good passer of the ball
The Netherlands international is a natural pass the ball but has struggled with consistency in recent years. Van de Beek’s numbers in the Champions League last season were disappointing, with just 0.38 GCA and 2.27 SCA per ninety minutes. That was only good enough to place him 10th in the entire United squad. Thankfully, he has improved in recent weeks.
Donny van de Beek is a talented player, but the PS35 million signing has struggled for game time so far. He played a deeper midfield role at Ajax and needs time to get used to playing in English football. Fortunately, he has a good ability to pass the ball and is one of United’s best options in the midfield.
The Dutch international has shown great talent but has struggled with defensive work, although he is still a good passer. The midfield pivot plays a crucial role in ball progression and creativity. This position requires good defensive skills, although fullbacks can contribute in the midfield. Van de Beek has been one of the weakest players for United in this department this season. His recent showing has seen him run forward in space in midfield but his fullback covered him.
The Dutch international has struggled to integrate himself into the Manchester United team and has been an occasional sub in recent weeks. The signing was meant to help him share playing time and space with other teammates. However, his 73-minute performance last week against Stoke City did not reflect this, with zero shots on target, zero attempts on goal, and only one tackle. Moreover, he made just 32 passes and had 45 touches.
He can score goals
Donny van de Beek has been heavily tipped to leave Manchester United in January, but his debut against Crystal Palace was proof of his potential. Despite a poor start to the season, the young Dutchman made an impressive debut, scoring in a 3-1 defeat for the Eagles in September. In December, he had to start for United against arch-rivals City, and he did not feature in the game. Watford, however, surged ahead through Joshua King and Ismaila Sarr. De Gea had earlier saved a penalty, and Van Beek’s goal came from close range after Cristiano Ronaldo’s header.
Before joining Manchester United, Donny van de Beek played 175 games for Ajax, scoring five goals in the Champions League quarter-final against Juventus. His goal against Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League semi-finals prompted Jose Mourinho to give the Dutchman a permanent deal. The Netherlands international has not been a regular starter for United this season, but he may be due a revival under new manager Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman can also make assists and goals. He has a good record for attacking midfield and has scored a few for Manchester United. Van de Beek has played 175 games for Manchester United, including 90 in central midfield. He has played 68 games in attacking midfield and 14 in defensive midfield. His last two goals for United came in the final minutes of matches, when the teams were tied on points.
The new manager of Manchester United, Erik ten Hag, is a good fit for Donny van de Beek. He has a proven track record in the Premier League and should have a positive impact on the Everton team. He has made the club’s Champions League run a memorable one, earning the nickname Maradonny. Similarly to Diego Maradona, Van de Beek was named as the club’s first signing in the summer.