Donny van de Beek started midweek against RB Leipzig and put in a good performance.
The Dutchman didn’t exactly pull up any trees but it was an assured display.
It wasn’t much of a surprise to see him ben he’d against Arsenal on Sunday, but it will be interested to see if we see more of him now Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seems to be trialling a diamond formation.
Scott McTominay sat deep instead of Nemanja Matic against Arsenal and that was one of the reasons United lacked balance in the middle. Another reason being Paul Pogba was not very good and gave away a “stupid” penalty in the second half.
Van de Beek would have been more effective than most of our midfielders yesterday, especially given how Arsenal pressed high like dogs and made it difficult for United to play with any tempo.
Instead he was brought on too late when the game was calling for his introduction at half-time. Solskjaer waited six minutes until after Pogba conceded a penalty to bring Van de Beek.
So, 15 minutes off the bench to make an impact.
He did come close to scoring an equalise when his cross was diverted by Bernd Lenon onto the post.
The fact he’s had no starts in six United league games is disappointing to say the least. Especially when Pogba has underperformed since the beginning of the campaign.
I would like to see come in midweek against Istanbul Baseksehir, but also keep his place versus Everton on Saturday.
Here’s a number of United fans having their say on Van de Beek after yesterday’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal.
It should be an absolute priority to find a space in this team for Donny Van De Beek over trying to find a space for Pogba. Donny takes care of the ball, it's not a quality our other midfielders have. Pogba,Bruno take risks, Scott & Fred more ball winners than passers. #mufc
— Carly Priestley (@CarlyPriestley) November 1, 2020
Donny has made 100 good runs and no one looked for him on any of them #mufc
— US Red Devil (@usreddevils) November 1, 2020
Does Ole not see that VDB should be starting these tough games? #MUFC
— Nathan Titus נתן (@nathanstitus) November 1, 2020
Think it’s time for Pogba to sit out a few games and let van de Beek start. Need something new.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) November 1, 2020
@Donny_beek6 keep going pal. It's inevitable that you will need to be at the centre of our team for years to come. This is temporary.
— UnitedRoad85 (@unitedroad85) November 1, 2020
No #mufc player touched the ball inside Arsenal's box more than Donny van de Beek today. (3)
He played 15 minutes.
— JoshGI 🇾🇪 (@JoshGI97) November 1, 2020
What a chance from Donny, at least we have shown fight in the last few mins here #mufc
— AmericanRedDevils (@usareddevils) November 1, 2020
@Donny_beek6 has been our best midfielder today and he’s been on the pitch 10 mins!! #mufc
— Paul N (@PaulN84) November 1, 2020
Van de Beek should start ahead of Pogba
Van de Beek should start ahead of Pogba
Van de Beek should start ahead of Pogba
Van de Beek should start ahead of Pogba
Van de Beek should start ahead of Pogba#MUNARS pic.twitter.com/y91cpKdcXl— Paul Mogbolu (@Iammisterpaul) November 1, 2020
Read more: Video: Roy Keane’s reaction sums up Man United in dismal Arsenal defeat
Ole’s team selection is based on fear – fear of losing a game and therefore his job. Outfield defenders SIX, midfield attackers TWO, strikers TWO. What happened to Attack, Attack, Attack. Drawn games win nothing. I understand not wanting to go behind in the first half, but from a minimum 60 minutes, we should have at least 3 attacking midfielders. Fred & McTominay create nothing, score nothing, and squander possession as often as they win it. Please replace the manager, he sits uncommitted in his seat, occasionally looking at his latop. Where is Mourinho’s team now???
Ole game plan…afraid losing to Arsenal … No balls..
He should play pogba Bruno n Van the beek together..
Man Utd should do the attacking.. Not only counter attack.. Which..
Ole only know this..
He’s not good enough…