Solskjaer decision offers hope to Donny van de Beek

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s decision provides hope for Donny van de Beek’s Manchester United career, which has failed to take off till now.

It is arguable that Donny van de Beek was the blockbuster signing of Manchester United’s summer transfer window. Yes, the club did sign Edinson Cavani as well but the Uruguayan is a short-term fix. The Dutch midfielder on the other hand will be expected to play a part in the Red Devils’ midfield for years to come.

His career at Old Trafford has not taken off as well as he would have wanted though. For the most part he has been left on the bench with the United midfield packed with options at the moment. So much so that even Paul Pogba has been exclusively used as an impact substitute in recent weeks.

There might be some hope for Van de Beek regarding his immediate future in the team though. As United in Focus pointed out, Solskjaer shifted to a diamond in the second half against Chelsea as they pushed for a goal.

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That of course, opens up more options in midfield. And more options could mean more opportunities for the Dutchman.

For most of the season, United have gone with a three man midfield. And while Fernandes is the first name on the team-sheet at this point, there are a lot of options to pick from for the other two midfield positions which has mostly seen Van de Beek lose out. A diamond though would mean that there is the need for another midfielder and that could open the door for him.

Of course, Anthony Martial was missing from this game while neither Edinson Cavani nor Mason Greenwood are fit enough to start at this point. That might very well have been the reason to switch to a diamond and when he has a full squad of players to pick from, Solskjaer might go back to the three man midfield once again.