Erik ten Hag reveals Donny van de Beek’s best Man Utd role and says star ‘has good smell for being in right position’
MANCHESTER UNITED boss Erik ten Hag believes Donny van de Beek is at his best when playing in an attacking midfield position.
The Dutch midfielder has been at United for two seasons but has struggled to make an impact under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.
Van de Beek played his best football at Ajax under Ten Hag and his manager will be hoping to rejuvenate his career.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Man Utd’s next pre-season friendly Ten Hag said: “He can do both [sit deep and play higher up the pitch].
“I know that from the past. But his best position is his capabilities in the box of the opponent, so playing short behind the striker [is his best role].
“He has a really good smell for being in the right position.”
READ MORE ON MAN UTD
68 of Van de Beek’s 110 appearances under Ten Hag at the Eredivisie club were made in the No 10 position.
While in that role, he scored 18 times and assisted a further 19.
His good form earned him a move to Old Trafford but his career has stalled.
The 25-year-old has started just 19 games for the Red Devils scoring just twice.
Most read in Football
SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY
And most of his opportunities have come in a deeper No 8 role.
Van de Beek’s move loan move to Everton for the second half of last season saw him play seven times scoring once, but he never featured in what Ten Hag thinks is his best position while at Goodison Park.
Whether Van de Beek will get the chance to play more at United in his supposed best role remains unclear as he fights for that spot in the side with Bruno Fernandes.
Man Utd are also planning to bring in Christian Eriksen to compete for places in that area.
The club beat Liverpool 4-0 in their first pre-season friendly and are back in action on Friday 15th versus Melbourne Victory.