Donny van de Beek got the opportunity to start for Manchester United in the final pre-season game over Everton.
It was just his second appearance of pre-season, with the game against Preston cancelled. He had previously appeared as a substitute – and captained the team – in the match with Brentford.
Given the opportunity to start against Everton, Van de Beek played like a player in no mood to relinquish his spot. He has spent too much time watching on, this was his chance to show what he could do.
Starting as part of a three man midfield along with Nemanja Matic and Bruno Fernandes, United’s trio looked well balanced.
We have always maintained that the key to Van de Beek’s success is finding a way for him to play alongside Fernandes, rather than as a replacement where he is depended on to create chances.
Instead Van de Beek can play to Fernandes’ strengths, by picking him out in dangerous areas, and likewise becoming a threat in the opposition penalty box with Fernandes supplying the passes. For this to work, United need a good defensive midfielder, and Nemanja Matic was perfectly adequate on the day.
One of Van de Beek’s qualities in the deeper role he played in against Everton is his willingness to pass the ball forward.
Van de Beek has a natural tendency to play forward and move the ball on quickly. Scott McTominay is not so adept at doing so.
Opportunity opening up
Van de Beek has a good opportunity to start in the opening game of the season against Leeds next Saturday. His performance against Everton underlined his credentials.
One of the tests which Van de Beek passed was his fitness. Other players are not looking so far advanced.
Paul Pogba and Fred returned later and are behind in building up their fitness. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed after the game that Scott McTominay is carrying a minor injury. James Garner is an option, but not one which Solskjaer has committed to as a starter during the pre-season – he has begun just one of four matches.
Leeds are a tricky test for United next week, but Van de Beek is well suited. His technical quality makes him more resistant to pressing opponents than other players, and he demonstrated that early last season in the 5-0 win over RB Leipzig.
It is also worth noting Leeds lost 4-0 to Van de Beek’s former Ajax side in pre-season last week. Van de Beek’s quality in possession could cause them the same type of problems.
United appear to have made a decision with Van de Beek that he is more of an alternative to Fred, McTominay and Paul Pogba, than an alternative to Bruno Fernandes. That could continue to evolve, but right now, the Dutchman could play in the deeper midfield role like he did on the season’s final day at Wolves so impressively.
A big season is upcoming for Van de Beek as he looks to grow into his role at United. He passed his test at the weekend and he looks like being the big winner from final warm-up. Expect to see him in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting line-up next Saturday.
- 10 best Man Utd fan reactions to Shea Lacey’s first-half performance against Rosenborg, one feeling is clear
- Who is Nicolò Tresoldi? The Italy-born Germany youth striker linked with Man Utd
- Youri Tielemans’ past injuries and age cannot overshadow immediate solution solved in Man Utd’s post-Casemiro era
- I was desperate for Man United to sign Eduardo Camavinga, but his latest Real Madrid decision is a worry
- Joshua Zirkzee’s stance on Juventus move could fast-track Man Utd exit
- Danilo has already learned two important skills from Casemiro amid rumblings he could move to Man Utd
- Man Utd may immediately repeat their successful Youri Tielemans ‘trick’ with their next midfield signing
- Why Man Utd’s brand-new Adidas away shirt for 2026/27 Premier League season is in blue design
- Alejandro Garnacho’s Aston Villa spell could determine which of his two ex-Man Utd teammates’ footsteps he follows
- There’s one major difference with how Benjamin Sesko looks in training
- What Manchester United’s XI vs Rosenborg looked like in 2024 pre-season clash
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
