DBasia.news – After two years in Manchester United, Donny Van de Beek has yet to show his form.
In fact, last season Van de Beek was loaned to Everton in order to obtain playing time, which he did not achieve under the direction of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick. Now the 25-year-old player is back at Man United.
Like destiny Van de Beek met a former coach who knew him well at Ajax, Erik ten Hag, who is now coach of Man United. The arrival of Ten Hag bodes well for Van de Beek’s potential career revival.
However, there is no guarantee that Van de Beek will play regularly in the first team as Ten Hag already has an idea of a place or position to play for the Ajax academy product and it can be seen in the pre-season test match against Liverpool.
Man United won 4-0 in the match which was held in Bangkok, Thailand, and Van de Beek played in the second half. In the 4-2-3-1 tactic Van de Beek played as an attacking midfielder behind the striker, replacing Bruno Fernandes.
The choice came as a surprise as Van de Beek usually plays as a box to box in the 4-3-3 tactic at Ajax, namely a midfielder who can help attack or cover the back line.
Assuming Van de Beek plays as an attacking midfielder, it means that he will compete with Fernandes who has a patent for him. No doubt the situation is not easy for him to play regularly at Man United.
“He (Van de Beek) can do both (defending deep and playing offensively) I know that from the past,” said Ten Hag as quoted by the Mirror.
“But his best ability is his ability in the opponent’s penalty box, so playing close behind the striker (is Van de Beek’s best role). He has the instinct to be in the right position.”