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Donny van de Beek reportedly impressing in training and could start this weekend

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Donny van de Beek could be in line for his first Premier League start of the season this weekend.

The Mirror report manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his coaching staff ‘are said to have been impressed by the midfielder in training this week’.

United are said to be ‘considering’ whether to start Van de Beek away at Watford on Saturday.

Manchester United Training Session
Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images

Why situation sets up well for Van de Beek

Van de Beek is not coming in cold to this game. He featured off the bench against Atalanta, and against City before the break.

Scott McTominay missed Scotland’s two matches with illness, while Fred only returned from South American yesterday after two games for Brazil.

Van de Beek is fresher than both players, and arguably more motivated than both as he looks to prove his quality.

With Paul Pogba sidelined by injury for the next couple of months, Van de Beek has a run of games with less competition to prove himself and earn a regular starting spot.

Van de Beek featured as a starter in United’s last game against Watford, in the 1-0 win at Old Trafford, and so knows the opponent too.

A run of games ahead of January could convince him to stay put, and may make United more relaxed about Paul Pogba’s departure.

Manchester United v Atalanta: Group F - UEFA Champions League
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

Van de Beek’s situation needs to change

There’s no doubt Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has handled Van de Beek terribly since he signed him.

The Dutchman has started only four Premier League games since he joined the club in 2020.

It’s little wonder there has been major speculation about Van de Beek wanting to leave.

Van de Beek has lost his place in the Dutch international squad, and with the team recently qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, the midfielder knows staying put is not an option unless his situation changes.