Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could use Van de Beek on the left of his front three after his impressive display in Manchester United’s victory at Brighton.
Van de Beek played as United’s advanced central midfielder but he often drifted to the left wing under instruction from Solskjaer and finished the match in a position that he could be playing more frequently this season.
The United coach hailed Van de Beek’s tactical flexibility and even admitted he could play in a wide role if required this campaign.
While Daniel James started the game on the left for the Red devils, he was withdrawn midway through the second half, when Van de Beek moved to that position for the final quarter.
“He’s got very high footballing intelligence and tactically he’s gone through the Ajax system. Dutch football is tactical, he knows football, he’s got his head screwed on,” Solskjaer said of his only new signing so far in this window.
“He’s a different type of left-sided player compared to Dan James and Marcus Rashford but coming inside and finding good pockets why not, he can play loads of different positions, which sometimes is a strength for a player.
“I remember myself sometimes, right-wing, left-wing centre forward, No. 10, Donny is one the coach will always look to have in a squad.”
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Both of Van de Beek’s two starts this season so far have come in the Carabao Cup, but Solskjaer has told the £35m man he will be a regular part of his plans this season.
“We know how many games we’re going to play and he’s going to be vital,” Solskjaer said. “He’s proved in every game he’s been a part of that he’s got high quality, he’s such a clever mover, he plays the game simply but effectively, with high quality. He’s knocking on the door.”
