Donny van de Beek put in a pretty assured performance for Manchester United against RB Leipzig in midweek.
It wasn’t really a surprise to see him drop down to the bench against Arsenal on Sunday, because that is how United have operated in every league game this season so far.
It should be time to re-assess this. United’s midfield simply hasn’t performed well at all in league games this season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer picked a diamond against Arsenal just like in midweek, but the balance was off, with Scott McTominay sitting deep and Nemanja Matic left out.
Against Arsenal’s press, Van de Beek probably would have been more effective than Bruno Fernandes was.
Brought on too late
It seemed sensible to bring Van de Beek on at half-time after a poor opening 45 minutes. He remained on the bench.
Midway through the second half would have been smart too. But no. United waited six minutes until after Paul Pogba had conceded a penalty.
While Van de Beek played only 15 minutes, he came closest to impacting the result. His dangerous cross was diverted by Bernd Leno onto the post and almost drew and equaliser.
The Dutchman got into some dangerous positions but it was all just a bit too frenetic late on, with United lacking a clear game plan to get back into the game.
Use him more
No starts in six United league games is disappointing and Van de Beek deserves better.
Perhaps more to the point – United’s other options have not shown they deserve to start.
Van de Beek should come in midweek against Istanbul Basaksehir, and then keep his place against Everton next week.
Fans like what Van de Beek has shown so far, including in his cameo performance against Arsenal.
Here is a look at some of the discussion on Twitter…
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- What separates Kobbie Mainoo from six England stars that Thomas Tuchel called up for World Cup squad
- Glazers selling Man Utd shares can be celebrated, but previous sale to Ineos already sets way forward
- What Michael Carrick will have learned from Patrick Dorgu’s latest game as Denmark’s winger vs Congo
- Squad numbers for all 13 of Manchester United’s World Cup stars
- Kobbie Mainoo identifies most important lesson he learned under Ruben Amorim after Man Utd difficulties
- How Manchester United must respond to Manchester City’s bid for Elliot Anderson
- Senne Lammens value skyrockets 150 per cent since Man Utd move, one of the most valuable in the world
- Gordon Strachan shares honest verdict on Tyler Fletcher being called up to Scotland’s World Cup squad
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