How Van de Beek could revive his Man Utd career this week
Karan Tejwani
- 2 Nov 2022 09:35 GMT
- 4 min read
Donny van de Beek was given a loud cheer when he came on as a substitute against Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League last week, and he’ll be given a chance to prove himself again soon.
The Dutchman has endured a complicated spell at Old Trafford, rarely playing under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before being loaned out to Everton by Ralf Rangnick.
He was hoping to play under Erik ten Hag – his former boss at Ajax – but injuries have reduced his game time and other options in midfield have been preferred.
READ: Revealed: Man Utd turned down two bids for transfer flop Van de Beek
However, the next week could be crucial for him as he’ll get chances to perform, and he’ll be helped by those supporting him in the Manchester United midfield.
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Important week for Van de Beek
There could be three chances for him to play in the next week: in the Europa League against Real Sociedad, followed by a Premier League and League Cup game against Aston Villa.
Manchester United have already secured Europa League qualification but they are yet to secure top spot, which means they may face a play-off against one of the Champions League drop-outs in the next round.
READ: Man Utd ready to sell transfer flop Van de Beek at a bargain price
Despite that, Van de Beek may be given a chance to prove his qualities in an important game, and he can make a point to his former manager.
Following that, in the Premier League, Bruno Fernandes is suspended and Van de Beek seems the ideal replacement, and the League Cup game should give him a final chance.
In all three games, Van de Beek will be supported by a strong midfield, namely, the presence of Casemiro may allow him to continue taking up attacking zones like he did best while at Ajax.
Previously, Manchester United’s lack of structure in midfield often hindered players like Van de Beek, but that may not be the case now.
The addition of Casemiro has allowed players to reduce their defensive work, and the high line operated by the Red Devils has allowed the ball to stay in more attacking zones.
Feels good to be back and to play in front of the Stretford End again ♥️💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/KYugF8nruj
— Donny van de Beek (@Donny_beek6) October 27, 2022
Erik ten Hag has been talking about this: "He can do both [sit deep and play high] - I know that from the past. But his best position is his capabilities in the box of the opponent, so playing short behind the striker is his best role. He has a really good smell for being in the right position."
"When you analyse the season so far, then if he was available he'd get his chance. We need goals and I know Donny is really good in that position to score goals, but he's also really good in defensive transition."
These are positive signs from his manager, and this could be an important week for Van de Beek if he is to revive his Manchester United career.
