Donny Van de Beek: The Perfect Piece in United’s Jigsaw

By Yahaya Othman

Embed from Getty Images

As Manchester United look to establish itself at the top tier of English football, usurping the imperious Liverpool and impressive Manchester City, it is understandable, even among the club’s management, that marquee acquisitions must be made.

Enter DVB.

Donny Van de Beek looks to be heading to the Premier League to join former teammate Hakim Ziyech—and United looks the most plausible destination. The Dutch midfielder has been the subject of intense interest from Europe’s elite clubs because of his eye-catching performances for Ajax in the Eredivise and Champions league.

The 23 year old’s unique skill set makes him a perfect fit for the premier league and will certainly add much needed guile, technical and defensive ability, energy, experience and goal scoring to United’s midfield. Van de Beek can play different positions across the midfield—he can be deployed as a 6, 8, or even as a 10.

Embed from Getty Images

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer likes to hassle and press opposition teams with intensity, a role Jesse Lingard was charged with doing during Solskjaer’s first season as United’s manager. With Van de Beek’s tireless running, he brings assets that suit that role. He brings to memory the days of Ji-Sung Park.

The Dutch international is potentially available for €40m and a cheaper option to Jack Grealish whose acquisition largely depends on whether Aston Villa gets relegated or not. With the coronavirus epidemic tipped to affect the transfer market, Van de Beek looks a more realistic option than Jack Grealish whose market value stands at €100m.

Manchester United already boasts of the likes of Fred, McTominay, Nemanja Matic, Fernandes and Paul Pogba in midfield, securing the services of Van de Beek, however, would mean that the quality of personnel available for selection doesn’t drop when any of these individuals aren’t available.

DVB would definitely represent the era of resurgence as United looks to establish itself as the best club in English football.