Paul Pogba has been ruled of action for the next two months, but his absence could open the opportunity for Donny van de Beek to stake a claim for a more regular spot in the Manchester United team.
The Frenchman suffered an injury away on international duty that rules him out until the new year, which comes at a terrible time for the Red Devils as they remain in a complicated situation in the Premier League and Champions League.
However, that is not to say that there is no capable replacement within the squad, and one of those looking to benefit from Pogba's blow is Van de Beek who has found first team minutes hard to come by.
The Dutchman is adored by the Old Trafford faithful, but has been given very few opportunities to shine by coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, despite having been guaranteed more prominence in the summer.
Just 154 minutes this season
Van de Beek has made just two Premier League appearances, two more in the Champions League and one in the Carabao Cup, with the latter his only full 90 minutes. In total, he has featured for a measly 154 minutes this campaign so far.
His brief cameo against Atalanta, where United rallied back to draw 2-2, showed just what he is capable of, and the ovation from the home fans during the 2-0 defeat to City when he was introduced indicates just what the supporters think of him.
Broken promises
Van de Beek was reportedly close to a loan switch to Everton in the summer, only for Solskjaer to block the move after having a meeting with the player in which he assured him of more minutes this campaign.
However, as has been evidenced, that promise has not been held by the under-fire Norwegian, something which will certainly have caused Van de Beek to lose even more confidence and trust.
It remains to be seen whether Van de Beek will get a starting role in Pogba's absence, or if Solskjaer will continue to shun him.
pomboy11
0
This should be our line up after the January transfer window
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thatwan is sharp... yeah u talking
pomboy11
0
i dont understand our Man utd coach en legend: we see potential in van de beek, i don know what he sees; we adore van de beek en he ignores him; we want the player to get more minutes Ole gives him the opposite.. van de beek deserves to play, i cant watch him leave the club jus like that.. it's gonna be soo sorry en im wondering how Ole whud feel like seeing van de beek leave the club while the fans want him in the team
pomboy11
0
i believe in Donny van de Beek..
chikondingulube
1
Lets all advocate Ole out that's it, remember he has Fred stuck in his ass he would rather lose with Fred than win with VDB that's ole for you let him go
Pimadknp
2
let's see if he ain't gonna play VDB. D kid went to d champion league final wit Ajax. We bought him bcuz of his passing abilities Ole ain't using him. Sancho at Dortmund crossing ball in d box haaland scores. thought Ole bought him to do d same for us. unfortunately not...
madabckn
2
if I was ole
madabckn
0
ole is not giving players a chance to shine but he expects to win
Necbemptyz
4
This should be our line up after the January transfer window
ziudnostyz
2
United's best 11
hideikps
1
Is over to Ole but not VDB
Jojomj
0
Ole will still play his macfred or how is it spelt 🤣🤣
😅😅😅
jezabdnpyz
2
The Clueless One Is Just A Big Liar! The Clueless One Promised Lingard As Well Saying He Will Play A Major Role... The Clueless One Promised Sancho As Well Saying He Is The Future Of The Club. All Empty Promises.., Clueless ⭕le Needs To Be Sacked For Destroying And Ruining The Team.., Time To Get Out NOW!!!
wisdomboy33
5
I wish ole will go wit dis line up next match
Yoteikrtyz
0
ole should play and Van de beek as the coach
Alb3rt7
2
Man I pitty Donny, he needs more game time ngl.
Obuke
0
Hope he will not come and score own goal
rezruz
0
Best believe ole will use mata for pogba instead of van de beek.
Puig was not bought by Koeman for 40mln And advised him honestly to go on loan and play. Puig is just behind Pedri, Nico and Gavi Also under Sergi, and will be under Xavi!! Koeman played all la Masia talents and chose best Which game did you see Puig play convincingly?? Last game under Sergi he forgot to defend as replacement to Gavi… not ready for first team.
jokblpru
2
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will not be there anywhere
SamiEthioMale
1
Ole will go
shittabay
4
Ole will still play his macfred or how is it spelt 🤣🤣
Bigfamo23
0
Dat a doubt can wen PP was out injured last season during d game against Everton at OT which ended n a 3:3 after d game did e start VDB n d nxt game answer.... NO. So Y now?
AlviNashys
0
Ole oil his mind is full of nonsense
Rieacdiop
1
Still that clueless ole will not play him, VDB will play in 4-3-3, but tactically ole isn’t good
Desmondeyum
3
VAN DE BEEK SPENDING MORE THAN 4 MINUTES ON THE PITCH IN A SINGLE GAME..
hecadeklp
2
van de beek is an outstanding player and person, I dispise ole for what he has done to him. Mcfred are nowhere near van de beek in terms of footballing, he is good on the ball, does not hold on to the ball longer than it is necessary. He is a replica of Sergio busquet's one, two touches kind of football, u won't get that from Fred or mctominey.....
bepderuz
0
Van de Beek: what else will I do to impress ole
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he should lose all his footballing abilities and play like fred
duaabcimru
0
hopefully he give him a chance why buy n not play him
Mabel43
4
Van de Beek: what else will I do to impress ole
bizbciosy
1
I can bet my entire savings that ole will never put him on that starting eleven, he will always go for his boys fred and scotty [Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Bohcdeipsy
0
coach and staff out out out.
Rakesh_Talsaniya
0
ole taking revenge mc
F412UL
2
Nope..that was not the case..Pogba injury will just make Ole’s decision easier..unless Bruno and McFred suffer injuries, there is no way that Ole will give VdB the chance..even they are injured, then Ole will bring on Lingard and Mata over VdB..VdB will play but in the earlier rounds of FA Cup playing against lower division teams as Ole doesnt want to risk his main players
cambdkstz
0
Van de beek chances are still very slim! Ole just doesn’t trust him! Unless all the midfielders are injured he’s not gonna have his chance!!
Nauteoyolo
3
DONNY van de BEEK to Ole be like is my time ⏲ to shine
Mia16
1
Ole will still use Matic ahead of Van De beek
fizzbizzie
2
the clueless coach will still opt for mcfred in the place of van de beek even though that hasn't worked for him
MadridMaldives
1
Puig is adored by fans but ignored by Koeman. Van de Beek is adored by fans but ignored by Ole.
Reybikou
0
Best believe ole will use mata for pogba instead of van de beek.
vostoko
1
never van de beek have a chance unless if both Pogba mctominay, fred get injured
Matrikzx
0
come on