Why Donny Van de Beek Will Start On Bench at Man Utd?

 Donny Van de Beek transfer to Manchester United is official. ManUtd completed their first signing of summer 2020. Donny Van de Beek is one of the hottest Ajax academy prospects. Giant clubs like Real Madrid, Juventus, and Barcelona registered their interest in the past. But Man Utd bagged his signature on the contract till June 2025 with an option to extend for another year. He is a versatile attacking mindset midfielder but will Donny Van de Beek be a good signing for Manchester United?

Donny Van de Beek Playing Style Analysis

Let us analyze Donny Van de Beek playing style. Donny Van de Beek is a multi-functional central midfielder. He can play as an advance midfielder or as a second striker. He is positionally intelligent with his movement around the box. His body positioning is excellent to get away from the defender creating a good chance to shoot. His key strength is to play quick short passes opening up the defences. Donny Van de Beek stats show he created 1.9 key chances per 90 minutes. He has a good pressing ability recording 2.1 tackles and 0.9 interceptions per 90 minutes.

Donny Van de Beek skills (Aston Villa vs Man utd pre season)

Donny Van de Beek😍😍#mufc pic.twitter.com/3n4G0kgmrZ

— Manchester United Fan (@Manches60858025) September 13, 2020

How will Donny Van de Beek fit in Manchester United system?

Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Manchester United Manager plays two primary systems 4-2-3-1 and 3-5-2. Ole plays 4-2-3-1 for possession-oriented football and 3-5-2 for counter-attacking football. Currently, Manchester United has Paul Pogba playing at no 8 and Bruno Fernandes at no 10. Donny Van de Beek is an advance playmaker who moves into the box as false 9 or provide a space becoming a second striker. It is difficult to start with Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes fit in either of the systems.

The only position vacant is the Defensive Midfielder role. Donny Van de Beek is not suited to play in this deeper role. He lacks the passing ability needed for a top defensive midfielder. Matic, Fred or Mctominay will start ahead of him as DM. Bruno Fernandes has been sensational since his January transfer to Manchester United. Bruno Fernandes will start at no 10 for Manchester United.

Ole has huge admiration for Paul Pogba. Paul is one of the best midfielders in the world. His ability to create chances and play lob balls are way beyond any Manchester United player. The charisma of Paul Pogba and his ability to play box to box makes him no 1 choice. Donny Van de Beek will Start from bench to change the game later in favor of Manchester United. He won’t be improving the first team. Manchester United needed a Right-winger and defensive midfielder transfers on priority. 

In the Covid-19 Pandemic, when clubs are struggling financially, how effective is spending 40 Million on a Bench player? Instead, the funds could have been used for other transfers. Overall, Donny Van de Beek has been signed for depth in Man Utd squad.