Manchester United fans react to Donny van de Beek's performance
Almost forgotten amid a crescendo of goals and celebrations late in a 5-0 victory, was Donny van de Beek’s contribution.
Van de Beek was selected to start the match, his first in October for the club, and he did not let the team down.
His performance especially in a cagey first half was a valuable one as he helped United to keep possession against RB Leipzig’s press.
The Dutchman was not disturbed when he was closed down, with his technical quality enabling him to manouvre in tight spaces.
RONALDO NEEDS TO STOP WHINING.
He played 67 minutes before being replaced by Bruno Fernandes, and showed he can be trusted to start more regularly.
Fernandes himself was outstanding when he came on, looking fresh and ready to do some damage, and this was a product of Van de Beek taking some pressure off him by playing the first hour.
Van de Beek is a quality player in his own right, and he came close to scoring when he got on the end of a cross in in the six-yard spot in the second half.
In his 67 minutes on the pitch he created two chances, made three successful dribbles.
It is because of his quality he brings, that there has been such anxiety over his lack of minutes.
This was the biggest game of his United career so far, and he passed with flying colours.
This was a safe, yet quality performance from the Dutchman, and he showed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer he will not let him down.
It always seemed a case of Van de Beek having to earn Solskjaer’s trust, and he took a step forward with this contribution.
The manager told the club website: “Donny is a fantastic player and a fantastic boy and you see the work he puts down, both on and off the ball.
“You see the defensive shape with him, he covers the ground, he’s so clever with his movement.”
This was no easy cameo as United ran riot. He played and put in a real shift during the toughest spell of the game.
It will always be tough for him if he is competing directly against Fernandes, but in a four-man diamond midfield, United can surely get them both into the same line up at some stage.
Reaction
Here is a look at the reaction to Van de Beek’s performance…
- 'He can completely destroy an opponent': Ten Hag's £14.4m Ajax star raves about former Manchester United boss
- Manchester United XI that could leave this summer, including two France internationals
- 20-year-old Manchester United talent compared to De Ligt could be big winner under Ten Hag
- Ralf Rangnick gets triple injury boost ahead of final game as Manchester United manager
- Brazilian press report Antony is keen to leave Ajax, Manchester United make 'concrete proposal'
- An XI of players that has played with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi including 3 former Manchester United stars
- Manchester United loanee gets international call despite only 71 minutes action in four months
- Manchester United can take real positive signs from Ajax's two award winners
- Bayern Munich fear wanted star is heading to sign for Manchester United
