Five reasons why Donny van de Beek should fight for his spot at Man Utd

The midfielder has spent almost all his time on the bench since joining the Red Devils.

The move of Donny van de Beek move to Manchester United was a dream come true for many. Yet another talented player to come out of the famous AFC Ajax’s academy, the Dutchman's move was emotional for his family and exciting for him personally. 

Donny cost the Red Devils £36m, which is a considerable amount of money, especially in a post-Covid19 market. However, the 23-year-old has not featured as much as he had expected at the start of the season. 

He has started rarely and completed 90 minutes on only four occasions. A lot of factors have pushed him towards an extended time on the bench. However, many believe he must fight for a starting place in the lineup and here are five reasons why.

5. Competition in the midfield will nurture him

Manchester United’s transfer policy has massively changed under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Players who are young, passionate to represent the club and hardworking are now preferred over established high-profile players. While Donny van de Beek ticks all the right boxes, he has to face stiff competition from the likes of Fred, Scott Mctominay, Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes.

To be able to find a regular starting place, he needs to learn and inculcate the qualities of his competitors, which will in turn improve his own game. The competition will spur him on and improve his overall gameplay, which will allow him to contribute more. 

4. Bide his time and utilize chances

Donny van de Beek cannot afford to be impatient in this situation. Expectedly, with indispensable players like Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes in the squad, the task was always going to be tough. The Dutchman has featured most prominently in the cup competitions. He started a vital clash against Liverpool in the FA Cup and gave a good account of himself in the 3-2 victory, which says a lot about the trust Ole puts in the player.

While he is part of the long-term vision at the club, Donny must welcome every opportunity, no matter the level of the competition, to show what he can bring to the table. He must make it impossible for Ole to drop him, something Pogba has achieved of late.

3. Audition for Netherland’s final team for the Euro 2020

Euro 2020, scheduled to be held around June 2021 is getting closer by the day. Donny van de Beek will be contesting for final spots against several talented midfielders that want to represent the Netherlands on the international stage. Moving to MUFC has been a two edged sword in this case for the player.

While playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world will get him visibility, but it will also mean lesser chances to showcase his talents, due to the competition for starting places in the lineup. In order to be part of the final squad at the Euros, the midfielder must fight for a starting place and make use of every minute on the field to showcase his talent. 

2. Justify the talent Manchester United paid heavily for

If not for anyone else, Donny must fight for a starting position at the club for himself. He was part of an Ajax squad that reached the UEFA Europa League final in 2016-17 and UEFA Champions League semi-final in 2018/19, beating Juventus and Real Madrid in the process. He was central to their success and was unplayable on his day.

The 23-year-old had several suitors gunning for his signature, however, he chose to sign for Manchester United. The Dutch international must prove to the fans and Ole that he is at the club to improve and not sit on his laurels. Despite his role being part of a long-term vision at the club, Donny needs to fulfill his potential as one of the most gifted midfielders in Europe. 

1. Beat the best to be the best

Donny van de Beek directly competes for a starting place with the likes of Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes in the team. While Burno Fernandes is in a league of his own at the moment, Pogba too has found his rhythm and is playing some of the best football in the United jersey. Donny must learn from these two great midfielders and inculcate their styles and add them to his own.

This will be the toughest challenge he has ever faced, to be favored over either of these two superstars. But this is the size of the expectations at Manchester United. Donny needs to be the best version of himself and continue to improve, if he wants to be picked every gameweek in the starting lineup. 

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