Donny van de Beek will make his first Manchester United start — against Real Sociedad — since December 8, 2021.
The Dutchman was last named in the Reds’ starting eleven against Young Boys last year, which resulted in a 1-1 draw.
Erik ten Hag is one manager who is well aware of the 25-year-old’s abilities and talents after coaching him during his managerial reign at Ajax, before Van de Beek departed for Manchester.
Chances to prove himself on the pitch have been difficult to obtain, given the amount of quality in United’s squad, but now could be a great opportunity for the Dutchman to make his mark on the match and hopefully give Ten Hag something to consider when making future team selections.
Ten Hag’s tactics could be the difference
In the reverse fixture at Old Trafford on September 8, United failed to make an impact on the game in what turned out to be a tightly contested clash. A controversial penalty decision meant Sociedad took all three points.
Utilising Van de Beek, who is able to contribute on the attack but provide defensively, could be the difference in swaying the result in United’s favour.
