Van de Beek could be handed season-saving lifeline by Man Utd

No one will want Donny van de Beek to succeed at Manchester United more than Donny van de Beek. And that's saying a lot given the millions of Red Devils supporters and fans back in Holland fully aware of his talents.

The former Ajax star arrived at the club last summer for around £40million and with plenty of promise.

Van de Beek had starred in that Ajax side, especially during their impressive 2018/19 Champions League run that took them to the semi-finals.

In his last two seasons at the club the 23-year-old made 94 appearances, scored 27 goals and produced 24 assists.

Real Madrid wanted him but were financially unable to compete after being hit hard by Covid.

United swooped and it seemed like a bit of a coup. A future Paul Pogba replacement and a transfer fee half the price of Jack Grealish's.

But the move hasn't worked out quite as well as many would have envisaged.

Things started well with a goal on his debut after coming on as a substitute, but Van de Beek has only been afforded one Premier League start this season.

Further time was given to him in the Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup but usually against weaker teams only.

When United twice played against Paris Saint-Germain in the group stages the Dutchman only managed a total of 13 minutes.

When United played City in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup he clocked up two minutes.

A barren run in the team from December through to January also set him back. Van de Beek failed to get off the bench in seven games during that period.

He was then given a chance against Liverpool in the FA Cup by being handed a start. Van de Beek lasted 66 minutes and failed to impress.

But it's hard to judge a man who's had only nine minutes of first team action since December 23.

The form of Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes has, rightly, kept him out. So it's hard to expect so much of someone so devoid of match action.

He needs a run in the team and this is where February comes in.

Three fixtures in the cups will provide him with nearly a game every week.

Man Utd's February cup fixtures

West Ham – FA Cup, Feb 9 (H)

Real Sociedad – Europa League, Feb 18 (A)

Real Sociedad – Europa League, Feb 25 (H)

Solskjaer should start Van de Beek in every single one. Ninety minutes after 90 minutes. Let him build up match sharpness, build up confidence and give him a reasonable chance to make an impression and be trusted in big games.

If those cup games can be won then he automatically hands himself more playing time.

If he really impresses then Solskjaer's will be forced to start him in the league.

And this is no bad thing. Solskjaer would surely love the chance to rest Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba and keep the three fresh with regular rotation.

Many asked why Donny van de Beek was signed with Fernandes and Pogba at the club, but no one questioned Manchester City when they rotated Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva.

He just needs to be given a chance to deliver.

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