Donny van de Beek: Can 2021-22 be his breakout season for Manchester United?
Manchester United signed Donny van de Beek from AFC Ajax last season for £35 million, but his debut season for the Red Devils was lackluster. He struggled to live up to the expectations as he started just four Premier League games, and with each passing week looked increasingly devoid of confidence.
Though Van de Beek made 36 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United last season, most of those were 15-20 minute cameo performances.
Given that he was coming from the Eredivisie, it was understandable that it would take some time for Van de Beek to settle into the Premier League - just like it was for Fred. Having joined United from Shakhtar Donetsk, Fred took a whole season to settle down at United, but is now an integral player in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team.
Donny van de Beek scored a goal and provided two assists in his 36 appearances for the Red Devils last season. And although his primary position is number 10, that is currently being occupied by Bruno Fernandes.
Donny van de Beek is unlikely to oust Bruno Fernandes from the No. 10 role any time soon
Fernandes has been sensational for Manchester United ever since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon. Many believe he has the potential to be Solskjaer's most influential and valuable player.
Donny van de Beek can also play the defensive role, alongside Bruno Fernandes. But last season it was Paul Pogba who played alongside Fernandes in quite a lot of matches.
Van de Beek was brilliant in the 2018-19 season for Ajax, helping them reach the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League. In that season, the Dutchman scored 17 goals and provided 13 assists in 57 appearances. And the year after that he scored 10 goals and provided 11 assists in 37 appearances.
With Pogba's situation still up in the air, it was understandable why the Red Devils shelled out such a huge amount to get Van de Beek to play for Manchester United. But it is now important for Solskjaer to find a place for the Dutchman in the team, and show some confidence in him.
With Bruno Fernandes already occupying the number 10 position and Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho occupying the wings, it is evident that Van de Beek is not going to play wide. So where will he fit in the best?
Donny van de Beek could succeed as a defensive midfielder at Manchester United
It has to be in the midfield two where Solskjaer has to play Van de Beek. With rumors about Pogba leaving still doing the rounds, this is a good opportunity for Van de Beek to get more game time and become a natural replacement for the Frenchman.
Pogba played more of a defensive, deep-lying role last season for United, and Van de Beek can play in that position too. He has, in fact, proven himself for Ajax in that role; after Frenkie de Jong's departure to Barcelona, it was Van de Beek who effectively filled the deep-lying midfielder position.
In the 2019-20 season for Ajax, Donny van de Beek averaged five recoveries, two tackles and one interception per game. And his participation in duels and duels won was impressiv in all competitions.
Manchester United lack a proper defensive midfielder (DM), so we could see Solskjaer play Van de Beek on a regular basis this season. Much will depend, however, on Pogba's contract situation and whether Manchester United end up signing a new DM.
If Pogba does leave and United sign a DM, we could see Solskjaer play Van de Beek in the midfield two. The Dutchman could improve United's overall midfield unit with his box-to-box capabilities and defensive skills.
Donny van de Beek missed Euro 2020 with a groin injury. After a restful summer, he should be feeling fit and ready for the upcoming season.