OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has hinted that Donny van de Beek is set to make his first Premier League start against Tottenham.
Manchester United’s only summer signing has been limited to two cameo appearances as a substitute in the club’s domestic campaign so far.
Donny van de Beek is set to make his first Premier League start for Manchester United
Yet the Dutchman has started both Carabao Cup games for the Red Devils and provided an assist in the 3-0 win over Brighton.
Speaking after the match, Solskjaer admitted he has been impressed by the 23-year-old and teased that he ready to face Spurs.
The Norwegian said: “We know how many games we’re going to play this season and he’s going to be vital to us.
“I think he’s proved in every game he’s been a part of that he’s got high quality.
“He’s such a clever mover, he plays the game very simple but effectively, but with high quality, so of course he’s knocking on the door.”
Van de Beek is likely to slot in alongside Paul Pogba and replace Nemaja Matic in the heart of United’s midfield on Sunday.
Yet the former Ajax star featured on the left wing against Brighton earlier this week and Solskjaer conceded he could be deployed out wide.
He added: “He has got a very high football intelligence.
He’s such a clever mover, he plays the game very simple but effectively, but with high quality, so of course he’s knocking on the door
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Donny van de Beek
“Tactically he has gone through the Ajax system and Dutch football is very tactical.
“He knows football and in all the conversations I’ve had with him you can tell he’s got his head screwed on.
“He’s a different type of left-sided player from Daniel James and Marcus Rashford of course but coming inside, finding good pockets, making good runs- why not?
“I think he can play in many different positions, which is a strength in a player.
“I can remember myself sometimes playing in the right wing, centre forward, 10 and I think Donny is one of those that the coach would want to have in the squad.”
Should van de Beek be played on the left, Matic would likely retain his spot in midfield with Rashford replacing Mason Greenwood on the right.
Van de Beek could feature on the left as he did for parts of the 3-0 win over Brighton
The duo would then flank Bruno Fernandes in the No10 role behind striker Anthony Martial.
At the back, Solskjaer may be tempted to replace error-prone centre-back Victor Lindelof with Eric Bailly following his return from injury.
The United boss has already revealed he is relishing captain Harry Maguire’s battle against Spurs striker Harry Kane.
Man Utd boss Solskjaer confirms that Eric Bailly fit again to play
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
