3 Ways Man United can line up with Donny van de Beek
It has taken time, it has tested the patience of the fans, but Manchester United finally completed their first signing of the season. Ajax star Donny van de Beek joined the Red Devils for £35million as reported by BBC.
After a blitzing second half of the season, Manchester United managed to finish 3rd in the league but it is worth noting that they fell short of 2 trophies as they were knocked out in the semi-finals of the FA Cup and Europa League.
The addition of Bruno Fernandes was definitely the catalyst for their splendid form yet questions remained about the quality of the squad when an overused first 11 looked off-colour in the final weeks of the campaign post the COVID-enforced break.
The addition of Van de Beek is definitely a welcome one, both in terms of quality and depth. A versatile midfielder who can play as a number 6, 8, and 10, thereby giving Ole Gunnar Solskjaer options and room to tinker with in the coming season.
Below, we take a look at 3 ways Manchester United can line up with Van de Beek.
1. In a 4-3-3 with Van de Beek as the holding midfielder
While this may not be his best position to utilise his attacking prowess, it is an appealing option to throw in Bruno and Pogba ahead of Van de Beek in a holding role. The Ajax man does have a knack for tackles and breaking up play.
However, this formation can only be used in games where United are expected to be the dominant side throughout the game. This means there’s a good chance we won’t get to see the trio in action against the top sides in the league or Champions League.
2. In a 4-2-3-1
A formation that can be used in crunch games against top sides to ensure defensive solidity. Alongside Nemanja Matic, Van de Beek can have Bruno ahead of him. This will allow the Dutchman to foray into the attacking third more often, with Matic covering the defensive duties. His short passing will also be of good use in this setup.
3. In a 4-4-2 diamond as a No.10
Perhaps the best-suited formation for Van de Beek which gives him full attacking freedom. However, Mason Greenwood misses out in this setup as Rashford and Martial start up front with Van de Beek just behind them.
Pogba can take the right-sided midfield role, while Bruno takes the left. Matic can act as the holding midfielder and can slot in as a third centre-back when the two full-backs move up the flank and provide width.
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With so many options, it will be interesting to see how Solskjaer uses his midfielders to get the best out of them and how all of them complement each other in play.
