Can Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek turn the tide at Old Trafford?



[ad_1]

His face said it all. Only 73 minutes on the clock and his time was up. Donny van de Beek couldn’t hide his disappointment. Another ineffective cameo role from Manchester United’s £ 40million summer signing.

Doubts over whether midfielder Van de Beek would fit in with United were expressed ahead of his arrival and five months later the same uncertainty exists.

Dutch United’s career has yet to take off. He was left on hold behind the scenes with his way to leave a lasting impression on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side uncertain.

Donny van de Beek's face said it all when he was substituted after 73 minutes on Tuesday

Donny van de Beek’s face said it all when he was substituted after 73 minutes on Tuesday

The midfielder, who joined Ajax for £ 40million on September 2, has yet to make an impact

The midfielder, who joined Ajax for £ 40million on September 2, has yet to make an impact

His path to leaving a lasting impression on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side (left) is unclear

His path to leaving a lasting impression on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side (left) is unclear

The 23-year-old has only appeared 300 minutes in the Premier League this campaign as he has only started two top-level games since United spent money on the Ajax star.

Former United defender Gary Neville suggested Van de Beek was signed because his former club expected Paul Pogba to quit, but instead the World Cup winner suffered a resurgence and has become a key player for Solskjaer.

Not only did Pogba’s rebirth prove to be an obstacle for Van de Beek, but Scott McTominay’s brilliant displays in the middle of the park as well.

The Scotland international has really improved his game this season – perhaps spurred by the presence of Van de Beek – and scored the winner of the FA Cup fifth round match against West Ham after replacing Nemanja Matic when Van de Beek was fired for star man Bruno Fernandes.

Manager Solskjaer has praised McTominay after the 24-year-old scored his seventh goal of the season – more than Pogba, Van de Beek, Fred and Matic combined – and his recent influential performances have made him unbeatable.

Tuesday night’s Cup draw was a chance for Van de Beek to make his case for more playing time, but it looks like the shadow of the player who has dazzled Ajax in recent years.

Paul Pogba has seen a resurgence at United, which hasn't improved Van de Beek's chances of playing

Paul Pogba has seen a resurgence at United, which hasn’t improved Van de Beek’s chances of playing

UNITED CAREER OF DONNY VAN DE BEEK

Appearances: 25

Departures: 11

Goals: 1

Help: 1

Van de Beek is a versatile midfielder, able to operate as No.6, No.8 and No.10 and score and create goals, but at the moment his confidence is drawn and when he takes the pitch , there is no spark in his game.

Ex-Tottenham and Newcastle midfielder Jermaine Jenas sympathized with the Netherlands international, insisting that it is difficult to find form playing a partial role.

‘That look on his face that I just saw unfortunately sums up the way he’s playing right now with a bit of fear and a lack of rhythm,’ Jenas said during BBC coverage of the shock of the FA. Cup when Van de Beek was replaced.

“Honestly, I don’t think it’s his fault. He is professional and does everything he can.

“ But when you don’t have that series of games in your system or you believe you can go out there and allow yourself to make mistakes, you don’t show the full version of who you are, and that tendency creative which led him to the football club in the first place.

While Scotland international Scott McTominay performed brilliantly in midfield

While Scotland international Scott McTominay performed brilliantly in midfield

Van de Beek was one of Ajax’s main protagonists after playing in the youth ranks and playing virtually every game – scoring 41 goals and providing 34 assists in 175 appearances in the process.

There is no doubt who the leader of United is and how Van de Beek could have done with at least a small part of Fernandes’ impact since his move to the Premier League giants.

Solskjaer does not have Van de Beek, who joined for a five-year contract on September 2, in his current plans, but understands that adjusting to a new environment takes time and has assured him that he has a future. at Old Trafford.

Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes is United's star man with Van de Beek in disgrace

Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes is United’s star man with Van de Beek in disgrace

“There are so many examples of players who need a little time, of quality players, we have a lot of examples ourselves and there are other clubs with examples and sometimes it takes time, ”he said earlier this season.

“ You don’t expect the people who deal with him to be quiet sometimes, especially when they want the best for them. I spoke to him and let him know how much we value him.

Van de Beek struggled to see the ball against the Hammers and former United striker Mark Hughes said it was because his United team-mates did not trust him.

“ You just smell … it looks like they don’t trust him with the ball yet, ” he said talkSPORT.

“ When Fred and (Nemanja) Matic look up and see Rashford, they see (Anthony) Martial, they see (Mason) Greenwood, who is still a young player but has great talent, it’s like they relied on them, their first thought is to pass them.

United have been here before because it took a while for Fred to settle in, but they are now reaping the rewards

United have been here before because it took a while for Fred to settle in, but they are now reaping the rewards

But how does Van de Beek develop this confidence while he is in the pecking order?

It looks like the Dutchman is going to have to be patient and bide his time with his best opportunity for a run in the squad that could happen if United suffer from midfield injuries as the busy 2020-21 schedule makes a mess. ravages.

United have been here before. Fred, who joined Shakhtar Donetsk for £ 52million in the summer of 2018, needed time to settle in Manchester, but the waiting game has now paid off.

While Pogba, who is regularly linked with a move away from the club, could still leave. The Frenchman is entering the last year of his contract in July and will discuss his future after this campaign.

Van de Beek has the ability to turn the tide and it is too early for him to leave the stage on the left.

[ad_2]

Source link