Donny van de Beek got 45 minutes for Manchester United against Granada on Thursday night.
The Dutchman was a half-time substitute in the Europa League quarter-final second leg, replacing Paul Pogba who was on a yellow card.
This was Van de Beek’s first home Europa League game this season, having missed the previous rounds due to injury.
The Dutchman produced a lively display which might have done enough to earn him more opportunities.
Van de Beek is still adjusting to his teammates, and vice versa. In injury time he played Amad Diallo through on goal with a pass, but the youngster did not quite anticipate it well enough.
The Dutchman was tidy enough. He created one other chance, and had one attempt at goal, while making one successful dribble.
One criticism of Van de Beek in a United shirt when he has played, is that he has been too safe.
Against Granada there was a greater fluidity to his game. He seemed more confident in possession, and more willing to attempt to create chances.
There is a chance Van de Beek may have done enough to earn a start this weekend against Burnley.
Fernandes would have to be rested for this to materialise, but there may be a case to give Van de Beek an hour. He has looked dangerous in his recent appearances and needs playing time.
At the very least, his performance last night has put him in the conversation for the weekend, and will give Solskjaer something to think about.
Reaction
Here is a look at how United supporters reacted to Van de Beek’s encouraging second half performance…
- Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s vision is coming true as Man United make £38.5m saving
- Roy Keane has now become more ‘open-minded’ to two teams challenging France for 2026 World Cup trophy
- Matheus Cunha: Five things Man Utd fans should watch out for in Brazil star’s first-ever World Cup tournament
- Andre Onana has just received a brutal warning about his current career status
- Ineos have aced the transfer market but their statement signing faces make-or-break season now
- Man Utd can send clear statement by beating Arsenal to Mateus Fernandes transfer
- Kyle Walker says everyone is forgetting about another Man Utd player who has been unfairly snubbed at the World Cup
- Chicharito says 17-year-old Man Utd target is an ‘enormous talent’ after World Cup appearance
- Man Utd fans can’t believe what JJ Gabriel has done now, ‘generational’ point made clear
- Man Utd should be paying close attention to Brighton’s Luka Vuskovic move for two reasons
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