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Man Utd have fresh Donny van de Beek and Bruno Fernandes dilemma
Manchester United star Donny van de Beek scored in Holland's 1-1 draw with Spain on Wednesday night.
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Manchester United haven’t seen much of Donny van de Beek since his £40million move from Ajax in the summer transfer window. But he offered a timely reminder of his qualities for Holland in Wednesday night, shining and scoring in their 1-1 draw with Spain. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must now find a way to pair him alongside Bruno Fernandes in midfield, so Express Sport will take a look at the Norwegian’s options.
Matic/Fred/McTominay, Van de Beek, Fernandes
United have signed another No 10 in Van de Beek.
Thought the Netherlands international spent the bulk of last season playing centrally, it’s in an advanced role where he really shines.
United currently play with two holding midfielders.
But they could choose to change tact and play with Nemanja Matic, Fred or Scott McTominay as an anchor, allowing Van de Beek and Fernandes to play further up the pitch.
That was the area he was deployed in on Wednesday night so it could be a way of unlocking his true potential.
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Van de Beek, Pogba, Fernandes
It’s definitely pushing it.
But United do have the option of going gung-ho by deploying Van de Beek and Fernandes alongside Paul Pogba in the middle of the park.
The Netherlands international could be deployed deeper in midfield, with Pogba next to him.
And that would allow United to keep Fernandes in the position where he’s flourished since his January move from Sporting Lisbon.
It would mean Pogba and Van de Beek having to do more defensive work, however, something that would represent a substantial risk given their issues at the back.
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Van de Beek on the wing
It’s clear that Van de Beek is an attack-minded player.
But the problem for United is they’re so well-stocked in midfield that him getting into the team is difficult.
So one option for United to accommodate both Fernandes and Van de Beek is to play the latter on the left wing, a position Solskjaer hasn’t ruled out playing him in the past.
That’s currently occupied by Marcus Rashford but the England international could be moved onto the right, particularly with Mason Greenwood and Daniel James struggling.
That allow Fernandes to stay at No 10, too.
Van de Beek on Solskjaer
Speaking after the match against Spain, Van de Beek insisted he was relaxed over his lack of playing time so far.
“I'm a patient person, but of course you go there to play as much as possible,” he said.
“I also think – in the minutes that I have made, in the times that I have come in – I have shown that I can add something to the team.”
He then added: “What does [Solskjaer] say to me? That I have to be patient, but also that I just have to continue with what I am doing.
“And that he's seen that I have a good impact when I come into the field. My time is definitely coming. And when those opportunities come, I have to be there.”
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