Sunday, September 12, 2021 at 09:58• Rian Rosendaal • Last update: 10:45

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer refuses to write off Donny van de Beek at Manchester United. According to the Norwegian manager of the Red Devils versatility clearly works in favor of the Dutch midfielder. Solskjaer thinks Van de Beek can play an important role this season if he focuses on a central role in Manchester United’s midfield.

Against Newcastle United (4-1), Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic played in the back of the more advanced Bruno Fernandes. Van de Beek is certainly an option for Solskjaer for one of those positions, as is the currently injured Scott McTominay. “Donny can indeed play as a 6 or 8,” the manager told the YouTube program ahead of Newcastle home Beyond The Pitch. “And of course also as an attacking midfielder at 10. We have even posted him hanging as a left winger. He has many qualities and is versatile, we like that at this club.”

Rio Ferdinand hands out compliments to Donny van de Beek after interview

The former defender is impressed by the Dutch midfielder of Manchester United.Read article

“Donny just has very good qualities,” Solskjaer continues his analysis of Van de Beek’s current situation at Manchester United. “Last season was sometimes very disappointing for him, especially because he was injured in the final phase of the season and as a result had to miss the European Championship. Donny has worked very hard in the past period and is completely ready to be released. He just wants to play again and show what he can do,” Solskjaer said.

Van de Beek recently discussed his options in Manchester United’s midfield in the podcast of former defender Rio Ferdinand. “I also played as 10 at Ajax. However, I can also handle the positions behind it. I just want to get to play and it doesn’t matter where.” The former Ajax player has not received any guarantees from Solskjaer for this season. “Of course you can never promise a player playing time. But I have to play more, that’s right. You can train every day, but in the end it’s about playing time in matches. If you can participate once a month, you can’t show your best side. It is important to me that I am there when I have to,” said Van de Beek, who was used as a substitute against Newcastle.