[UNITED ACADEMY]

Let’s be honest here, before he joined us, he wasn’t regular in Netherlands national team under Koeman compared to Wijnaldum & De Jong and also whoever the one fill in the defensive mid/ball winning role. I don’t know why people are trying so hard to force him into our XI and baffled that he’s not into the XI like he is a world class and must play.

I still like Donny as a player, intelligent and professional but the truth is he was signed for Bruno’s backup or flexible player that can be brought on from the bench to change the game like the Brighton and Palace game for example. That was the original plan until Pogba who was supposed to be our regular player is now being dropped and taking Donny’s role/minute.

Give it time and I’m sure we will see him starting more. He started in Istanbul game while Pogba was on the bench, that’s a sign.

 

[Cnaiür urs Skiötha]

This thread continues in the kagawa fashion - Donny is a genius but other players aren't good enough to help him play well

They are different players, but in a way this is not far from the truth. Kagawa has been excellent in reading the game and use the space and the movement of his team colleagues. To really shine players like him or Donny need a good system and other players who move and act in a certain way.
Most of our players either keep the ball for too long, are too selfish or try risky stuff. Whenever we get some space this can work excellent and often we are deadly. But whenever we play against a compact and pressing team we struggle to create space and look clueless. This is where we would need players like Donny to stretch the game and use the small pockets of space created that way. And I also believe that Donny is a hard worker, also playing his part in the backwards movement.

However, like some here already have pointed out these discussions are obsolete as we have not nearly seen enough to make any kind of judgement. From the bit parts I have seen I would say Donny is potentially one of our best and most modern footballers, but this kind of statements are redundant.

I won't be going at Ole and his stuff here as I said in case we get something out of the October/November fixtures I will give him credit and back him until further into the season, but not knowing how to use such kind of "system players" (stupid word, sorry) shows in some way a lack of tactical know-how.

 

[kouroux]

They are different players, but in a way this is not far from the truth. Kagawa has been excellent in reading the game and use the space and the movement of his team colleagues. To really shine players like him or Donny need a good system and other players who move and act in a certain way.
Most of our players either keep the ball for too long, are too selfish or try risky stuff. Whenever we get some space this can work excellent and often we are deadly. But whenever we play against a compact and pressing team we struggle to create space and look clueless. This is where we would need players like Donny to stretch the game and use the small pockets of space created that way. And I also believe that Donny is a hard worker, also playing his part in the backwards movement.

However, like some here already have pointed out these discussions are obsolete as we have not nearly seen enough to make any kind of judgement. From the bit parts I have seen I would say Donny is potentially one of our best and most modern footballers, but this kind of statements are redundant.

I won't be going at Ole and his stuff here as I said in case we get something out of the October/November fixtures I will give him credit and back him until further into the season, but not knowing how to use such kind of "system players" (stupid word, sorry) shows in some way a lack of tactical know-how.

I couldn't agree more here.

 

[OrcaFat]

They are different players, but in a way this is not far from the truth. Kagawa has been excellent in reading the game and use the space and the movement of his team colleagues. To really shine players like him or Donny need a good system and other players who move and act in a certain way.
Most of our players either keep the ball for too long, are too selfish or try risky stuff. Whenever we get some space this can work excellent and often we are deadly. But whenever we play against a compact and pressing team we struggle to create space and look clueless. This is where we would need players like Donny to stretch the game and use the small pockets of space created that way. And I also believe that Donny is a hard worker, also playing his part in the backwards movement.

However, like some here already have pointed out these discussions are obsolete as we have not nearly seen enough to make any kind of judgement. From the bit parts I have seen I would say Donny is potentially one of our best and most modern footballers, but this kind of statements are redundant.

I won't be going at Ole and his stuff here as I said in case we get something out of the October/November fixtures I will give him credit and back him until further into the season, but not knowing how to use such kind of "system players" (stupid word, sorry) shows in some way a lack of tactical know-how.

Donny does not need a certain system to play well. He is a good all round midfielder, has done fine so far, there is no problem, he’s just gradually playing his way into the team.

And although he cost £40 mil, Fred, Bruno and Pogba all cost more than that so it’s pointless to say that he should be an automatic starter on cost alone.

He will get plenty games and the bench looks a lot healthier after the last transfer window.

Nobody should be panicking, including DVB. And I do think he will be a frequent starter by the end of the season.

 

[Bestietom]

To me he is a very intellegent player. He will get more game time when or if we change from the 2 pivot DMs and either play with one or bring in a specialised DM. Maybe Soumare could be the one. Young, strong, fast, and a very good passer of the ball.

 

[Crashoutcassius]

They are different players, but in a way this is not far from the truth. Kagawa has been excellent in reading the game and use the space and the movement of his team colleagues. To really shine players like him or Donny need a good system and other players who move and act in a certain way.
Most of our players either keep the ball for too long, are too selfish or try risky stuff. Whenever we get some space this can work excellent and often we are deadly. But whenever we play against a compact and pressing team we struggle to create space and look clueless. This is where we would need players like Donny to stretch the game and use the small pockets of space created that way. And I also believe that Donny is a hard worker, also playing his part in the backwards movement.

However, like some here already have pointed out these discussions are obsolete as we have not nearly seen enough to make any kind of judgement. From the bit parts I have seen I would say Donny is potentially one of our best and most modern footballers, but this kind of statements are redundant.

I won't be going at Ole and his stuff here as I said in case we get something out of the October/November fixtures I will give him credit and back him until further into the season, but not knowing how to use such kind of "system players" (stupid word, sorry) shows in some way a lack of tactical know-how.

I do get the point of it all, that some players flourish in a 'system'. It just makes for dreadful reading all year, as it did with kagawa, where you have months of 'free donny' memes and 'why isnt ole playing him???' and when he plays they say why he didn't play well as if it is obvious. So if he doesn't fit our approach, then why should he start every game?

What they really mean is 'free donny and play some way that gets the best out of him'. but they just say 'ole has to play donny' and then talk nonsense when he isn't the messiah.

Reality is he is a good player, versatile, here to provide depth, he isn't here so that we can reimagine the whole approach of the team. He can't only play in a certain system, and if that is somehow true then he needs to adjust. Most likely his most important role this season will be to provide something like what bruno provides if he gets an injury and to provide something new and a goal threat in games where we need to make changes ... i think that is okay, every signing doesn't have to go into some 'first 11' and 40m is simply not a lot of money for someone that could play here for 10 years

 

[Bestietom]

I do get the point of it all, that some players flourish in a 'system'. It just makes for dreadful reading all year, as it did with kagawa, where you have months of 'free donny' memes and 'why isnt ole playing him???' and when he plays they say why he didn't play well as if it is obvious. So if he doesn't fit our approach, then why should he start every game?

What they really mean is 'free donny and play some way that gets the best out of him'. but they just say 'ole has to play donny' and then talk nonsense when he isn't the messiah.

Reality is he is a good player, versatile, here to provide depth, he isn't here so that we can reimagine the whole approach of the team. He can't only play in a certain system, and if that is somehow true then he needs to adjust. Most likely his most important role this season will be to provide something like what bruno provides if he gets an injury and to provide something new and a goal threat in games where we need to make changes ... i think that is okay, every signing doesn't have to go into some 'first 11' and 40m is simply not a lot of money for someone that could play here for 10 years

I think we would have fared better through buying a DM like Soumare or Partey.

 

[romufc]

Let’s be honest here, before he joined us, he wasn’t regular in Netherlands national team under Koeman compared to Wijnaldum & De Jong and also whoever the one fill in the defensive mid/ball winning role. I don’t know why people are trying so hard to force him into our XI and baffled that he’s not into the XI like he is a world class and must play.

I still like Donny as a player, intelligent and professional but the truth is he was signed for Bruno’s backup or flexible player that can be brought on from the bench to change the game like the Brighton and Palace game for example. That was the original plan until Pogba who was supposed to be our regular player is now being dropped and taking Donny’s role/minute.

Give it time and I’m sure we will see him starting more. He started in Istanbul game while Pogba was on the bench, that’s a sign.

Thank you. All these fans who think they know it all mention him playing as a 6, playing regular for Netherlands have no idea.

We should not be forcing players into our line up for the sake of it. Donny is a very good player, I would not be surprised if he is used in alot of big games because of the brilliant qualities he has.

One thing people need to realise is, as a 10 who would you have? Bruno or Donny? I know my answer.

The second thing is, when the team is not playing well and the managers job is under question after every game, who actually thinks he is going to experiment with Donny as CAM when he has Bruno who is producing for him?

 

[Cnaiür urs Skiötha]

I am neutral towards Donny (other than him being a United player of course), I have not watched enough of him before he joined us so I am surely not a „Donny fanboy“. I was pretty excited when Kagawa joined as I had watched him for Dortmund before, but I cannot say the same about Donny.

It just does not make sense that we bought him for money we would have needed to get Sancho this summer and now we do not play him, although the small bits when he has been on the pitch so far he has always been one of our best players. And he seems to offer attributes our other players lack. And Mata, McTominay and a bad Pogba get starts ahead of him. Weird.

 

[Borys]

Starting against Spain. Will be a good game to see his defensive side. Strong teams too.

 

[KirkDuyt]

He's rubbish tonight. He just doesn't add anything apart from his runs, which in this case resulted in 4 offside and feck all else.

 

[Borys]

Very weird player. Depending on perspective, he's either taking good runs or running away from action. Still don't understand why people see him as CM. He lacks energy to do that IMO, unless we expect to have 70% of possession.

EDIT:
Well he might be the answer to "lack of scrappy goals".

 

[DomesticTadpole]

The so called useless player has scored.

 

[KirkDuyt]

He's brilliant, he scored, give him the ballon d'or!

Really though, happy for him, he deserves a break.

 

[Ajax Forever]

He is a good and creative player. I just don’t think he fits in this United team and the way United plays.

At Ajax he had a lot of freedom and everyone at that Ajax side new how to run where to go and that’s why Ziyech, Van de Beek, Frenkie et al thrived so much. At their new clubs it’s a different set up and they’re not used to it.
Van de Beek is also not a DM. He will defend but it’s not his strength.

 

[VP89]

Very weird player. Depending on perspective, he's either taking good runs or running away from action. Still don't understand why people see him as CM. He lacks energy to do that IMO, unless we expect to have 70% of possession.

EDIT:
Well he might be the answer to "lack of scrappy goals".

He's known for a high work-rate and ability to press the opponent well. He's a very comfortable at carrying the ball and composed in tight spaces. I think he's got all the abilities required to play box-to-box and shouldn't be pigeon holed into a 10 for the kick of it.

Although much of what I said is probably pretentious so let me ask this chap:

He is a good and creative player. I just don’t think he fits in this United team and the way United plays.

At Ajax he had a lot of freedom and everyone at that Ajax side new how to run where to go and that’s why Ziyech, Van de Beek, Frenkie et al thrived so much. At their new clubs it’s a different set up and they’re not used to it.
Van de Beek is also not a DM. He will defend but it’s not his strength.

Do you think he can operate in a box to box role?

 

[KirkDuyt]

This match sums him up perfectly. He adds little to the general play, but scores out of nowhere, which is definitely an impressive quality. Reminds me of Roy Makaay a bit.

 

[Redplane]

This match sums him up perfectly. He adds little to the general play, but scores out of nowhere, which is definitely an impressive quality. Reminds me of Roy Makaay a bit.

Makaay - what an odd player that was - almost like a Dutch Mueller - you didn't necessarily think very highly of him compared to other players on the team but yet he seemed to leave his mark more often than not.

 

[tjb]

Makaay - what an odd player that was - almost like a Dutch Mueller - you didn't necessarily think very highly of him compared to other players on the team but yet he seemed to leave his mark more often than not.

VDB has really good touches, but doesnt't necessarily have the action techniques (dribbling, shooting, passes) to be a creative hub. It doesn't mean he caan't produce the action techniques, but when he does it, its in short spurts. His off the ballmovements, work rate and first touch are his best qualities.

 

[Deery]

Bit like a pound shop Messi..

 

[Ajax Forever]

Do you think he can operate in a box to box role?

You are right he has got a high work rate. He could play as a b2b, but again pure defensive duties I wouldn’t count on him. Much what you wrote about him is spot on though. Can press well. Composed in small spaces.
For a midfielder he scores a lot. Knows how to turn away or get himself into open space and take the shot.

This match sums him up perfectly. He adds little to the general play, but scores out of nowhere, which is definitely an impressive quality. Reminds me of Roy Makaay a bit.

Makaay was a striker though. Kind of all he needed to do was score.

VDB needs to do more as a midfielder.

I remember watching a few United games where he came on. He looked so lively and ran into spaces but no United player understood his moves and pass sideways or back instead.

Game by game his Ajax gameplay is going away and he will become United. Not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing under Ole..

 

[Borys]

He's known for a high work-rate and ability to press the opponent well. He's a very comfortable at carrying the ball and composed in tight spaces. I think he's got all the abilities required to play box-to-box and shouldn't be pigeon holed into a 10 for the kick of it.

Although much of what I said is probably pretentious so let me ask this chap:

Do you think he can operate in a box to box role?

From what I've seen, which is all United games and 3 Holland games, he doesn't seem to have high work rate and he never carries the ball. Other than that I agree.

Like I said earlier, I don't see him as a midfielder any more than Pogba.

 

[Stadjer]

Very weird player. Depending on perspective, he's either taking good runs or running away from action. Still don't understand why people see him as CM. He lacks energy to do that IMO, unless we expect to have 70% of possession.

EDIT:
Well he might be the answer to "lack of scrappy goals".

Cruijff once said 'sometimes the best way to help a teammate is to run away from your teammate and from the ball'. Donny is that type of player.

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

He is a good and creative player. I just don’t think he fits in this United team and the way United plays.

At Ajax he had a lot of freedom and everyone at that Ajax side new how to run where to go and that’s why Ziyech, Van de Beek, Frenkie et al thrived so much. At their new clubs it’s a different set up and they’re not used to it.
Van de Beek is also not a DM. He will defend but it’s not his strength.

Way too early to pass judgment. The lad hasn't even had a run of two games yet.

Ziyech, who people have started to rave about now, has started to have a run of games for Chelsea, hence why we're starting to see his quality.

As for VdB not having freedom, watch Bruno Fernandes. Our number 10 has all the freedom in the world.

As I said, once he gets a run of games in the side, we should hopefully start to see the quality he showed at Ajax.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

His finishing tonight has been better than Memphis Depay's so far.

 

[Bebestation]

For me he is a goalscorer and you have to position him to utelise that.

 

[Ajax Forever]

Way too early to pass judgment. The lad hasn't even had a run of two games yet.

Ziyech, who people have started to rave about now, has started to have a run of games for Chelsea, hence why we're starting to see his quality.

As for VdB not having freedom, watch Bruno Fernandes. Our number 10 has all the freedom in the world.

As I said, once he gets a run of games in the side, we should hopefully start to see the quality he showed at Ajax.

You have got a point!

We all just want to see him start putting in the good performances for United. Let’s hope he finds his groove.

 

[KirkDuyt]

His finishing tonight has been better than Memphis Depay's so far.

Missed an absolute sitter. As did Luuk de Jong. Should have won this.

Edit: Memphis did, not Donny.

 

[Henrik Larsson]

From what I've seen, which is all United games and 3 Holland games, he doesn't seem to have high work rate and he never carries the ball. Other than that I agree.

Like I said earlier, I don't see him as a midfielder any more than Pogba.

He has an excellent work rate actually, it's probably his biggest quality together with goalscoring. In that way you could argue he is quite a simple player, always runs a lot and works hard, and always capable of scoring a goal against any opposition. So often he ends up very high or the highest on 'distance covered' in those post match graphs.

Pretty much a typical performance from him tonight, definitely not great but still pretty useful.

 

[Champagne Football]

Fred went from worst player in our history to vital first XI player. VDB definitely has the ability to become a very important player here. Maybe next summer Ole will focus on landing a deep-lying midfielder who can combine well in a 3 man midfield with Bruno and VDB.

If Ole didn't sign Partey when he could have, then you'd have to think he feels one of our young midfielders such as Garner might be ready next season to start fighting for a first team place.

 

[Relevated]

This match sums him up perfectly. He adds little to the general play, but scores out of nowhere, which is definitely an impressive quality. Reminds me of Roy Makaay a bit.

It would be impressive if he was scoring very regularly. How regularly does he score?

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

Fred went from worst player in our history to vital first XI player. VDB definitely has the ability to become a very important player here. Maybe next summer Ole will focus on landing a deep-lying midfielder who can combine well in a 3 man midfield with Bruno and VDB.

If Ole didn't sign Partey when he could have, then you'd have to think he feels one of our young midfielders such as Garner might be ready next season to start fighting for a first team place.

Doubt it. Ole is set on a 4231.

 

[Lennon7]

Doubt it. Ole is set on a 4231.

Yeah, solid DM and VdB in midfield behind Bruno?

 

[passing-wind]

I feel the only way he's accommodated on a regular is either with a diamond or if Pogba is sold, I reckon Solskjaer would drop Bruno into a more disciplined central midfield and DVB behind the striker.

We are very lethargic in possession so I don't expect him to flourish aside being played in his strongest position.

 

[Okey]

Hard to shirk the feeling that his signing wasn't properly thought through. Good player no doubt, but did they have a clear idea how they planned to use him? Hard to see how he gets a run in the team as well barring injuries, based on how we're setting up. Anyway, I hope it all changes and he turns out great. All that goodwill he came with mustn't go to waste.

 

[Water Melon]

Hard to shirk the feeling that his signing wasn't properly thought through. Good player no doubt, but did they have a clear idea how they planned to use him? Hard to see how he gets a run in the team as well barring injuries, based on how we're setting up. Anyway, I hope it all changes and he turns out great. All that goodwill he came with mustn't go to waste.

If the balded part is true, then we are well and truly fecked as a club. Also, I won't be surprised to see Pogba leave come summer and Donny starting to cement his place in the team. Pogba money could be used for getting Matic replacement and we may evemn have a much more balanced midfield then. But it all depends on what we do with Paul though, so I'd better stop here before the thread is derailed.

 

[Himannv]

I'm starting to think he'll work nicely as a false 9 with Rashford and Greenwood on either side of him. He seems to score a lot and his touches and layoffs will suit that role with movement on either side of him. Having said that, it's the same problem that we usually have as I think you can't have Bruno as an AM in that same setup.

 

[Marcus]

I'm worried he's going to become better the more he isn't played.

I think VDB could become a player not fancied under Ole but under the next manager should Ole.

The problem for VDB is that he isn't as flashy as Bruno, he's less likely to pop up with a goal or assist but rather he keeps it tidy to coin a cliché.

I disagree with your last paragraph. He seems to score pretty often given his limited opportunities if you ask me.

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

I never expect him to be our starting XI signing so I never understand why people actually think we should force him into our XI. Donny isn't some sort of world class player where we must put him into our XI. In my opinion he was signed as Bruno's backup, offer the impact sub & flexibility in changing formation or plan if required in certain games & emergency player that can cover other positions for example the double pivot. He's also like Lingard replacement but play in midfield. Lingard is one of our player who is very good in finding space and making intelligent run & Donny is also very good at that. When Pogba leaves next year, Donny will get more minutes but doesn't mean it will change to he will play regularly in Starting XI.

 

[Matt851]

Way too early to pass judgment. The lad hasn't even had a run of two games yet.

Ziyech, who people have started to rave about now, has started to have a run of games for Chelsea, hence why we're starting to see his quality.

As for VdB not having freedom, watch Bruno Fernandes. Our number 10 has all the freedom in the world.

As I said, once he gets a run of games in the side, we should hopefully start to see the quality he showed at Ajax.

Hard to shirk the feeling that his signing wasn't properly thought through. Good player no doubt, but did they have a clear idea how they planned to use him? Hard to see how he gets a run in the team as well barring injuries, based on how we're setting up. Anyway, I hope it all changes and he turns out great. All that goodwill he came with mustn't go to waste.

That would be fairly typical of the feckwits running this club, in the mean time we still have big gaps in other positions. I really dont see this improvement in signings or process that the ole fanboys are grasping on to