Donny van de Beek says he is ready to help make a difference for Manchester United

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Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek says he is ready to help make a difference for the team.

Van de Beek came off the bench in Manchester United’s win over West Ham at the weekend to make his first appearance since August.

The Dutchman has been out with an injury which killed off his already slim World Cup hopes.

Van de Beek is concentrating on now contributing for his club, having yet to make a single start this season.

Van de Beek ready to help

There could be an opportunity for Van de Beek tonight, even as a starter against Real Sociedad, with Antony, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho all missing.

Instead of picking an inexperienced attacker like Anthony Elanga, Alejandro Garnacho or Facundo Pellistri, the alternative is to add Van de Beek into the mix, and ask him to play as part of a midfield quartet midfield along with Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes – or even stick to the same formation with one of them starting out wide.

Van de Beek believes he can make an impact, telling the club website he is glad to be back in contention.

He said: “I feel great, I feel good and what I’m saying is I just need to keep going and, if chances come, I have to take them.

“It [playing an attacking role] is also one of the points how I can maybe help the team, play in between the lines and make my runs with the ball, give some passes.”

Van de Beek could transform his United career with a crucial goal tonight, with United looking to win by two clear goals to top the Europa League group.

Even if it doesn’t happen, a likely starting opportunity should come next week in the League Cup, with United facing Aston Villa for the second time in a few days, following the Premier League tie this weekend.

Van de Beek admitted being frustrated at being injured, and said there was some guilt at not being able to help his teammates out amid a packed fixture schedule.

He explained: “Yes [it’s been hard], especially for some of the other guys who have played so many games. To be injured is the most difficult thing for a player.”