Donny van de Beek | van de Beek's father: "[Moving to United] a dream come true."

[gajender]

Worst thing we could do right now in term of how we use our personnel is to play Fernandes deeper , whatever formation we play he has to most advanced midfielder and I don't think he is good enough to play in double pivot and it would completely negate his influence.

 

[Zoo]

 

[izec]

Don't rate him as some on here. Massive downgrade on Pogba. No thank you

Don't get me wrong, decent player, but i see him as a versatile squad option. We can add him, but i would rather a DM and we have enough box to box CM's with his talent in McT and Fred.

And for an attacking CM/AM, he lacks the x factor and technique. Good positioning at times, but that's not enough for me. As a squad replacement for Lingard/Pereira/Mata, great.

 

[TheReligion]

If there's any truth behind this then I believe Pogba will be gone at the end of the season.

 

[izec]

If there's any truth behind this then I believe Pogba will be gone at the end of the season.

who would buy him? I only see Juve making some noise, Real don't seem interested. But i also don't see Juve paying what we want.

 

[Gerald G]

Don't rate him as some on here. Massive downgrade on Pogba. No thank you

Don't get me wrong, decent player, but i see him as a versatile squad option. We can add him, but i would rather a DM and we have enough box to box CM's with his talent in McT and Fred.

And for an attacking CM/AM, he lacks the x factor and technique. Good positioning at times, but that's not enough for me. As a squad replacement for Lingard/Pereira/Mata, great.

I rate him a bit higher than you but mostly agree with this

 

[crossy1686]

Don't rate him as some on here. Massive downgrade on Pogba. No thank you

Don't get me wrong, decent player, but i see him as a versatile squad option. We can add him, but i would rather a DM and we have enough box to box CM's with his talent in McT and Fred.

And for an attacking CM/AM, he lacks the x factor and technique. Good positioning at times, but that's not enough for me. As a squad replacement for Lingard/Pereira/Mata, great.

He’s a squad player and probably more of a replacement for Matic than Pogba. Very different players

 

[RedDevilRoshi]

Good player but I would prefer someone like a more natural DM like a Thomas Partey, especially with how much his release clause is.

Then again, possibly means Pogba is offski hence the strong links with VDB over the last 24 hours.

 

[TheReligion]

@izec
I don't know but I can't see how we get DvB in without someone in the first team making way.

I don't want Pogba to go by the way. Would be delighted if he signs an extension but I do think the whole saga needs sorting before we start the new season as the media circus is a huge distraction which I've grown tired off. Either sign an extension or get rid and bottom this off one way or another.

 

[crossy1686]

Good player but I would prefer someone like a more natural DM like a Thomas Partey, especially with how much his release clause is.

Then again, possibly means Pogba is offski hence the strong links with VDB over the last 24 hours.

Different players.

I think we wouldn’t bother with a DM this summer under normal circumstances but seeing as Madrid have dropped the ball on this one it’s left the door open for us to make a signing a season earlier than we intended to.

Pogba will most likely stay and leave in the summer of 2021 now. We need to phase him out throughout next season though, hence the Grealish links.

VDB is most likely a replacement for Matic who’s surely only got a season left in him, playing part time at that.

 

[izec]

He’s a squad player and probably more of a replacement for Matic than Pogba. Very different players

I know he was more defensive a few years ago, but he has played as a more attacking midfielder in the last 2 years and shined. So i don' think we will buy him and deploy him defensively, when he played more offensively recently. There is no way he would play the most defensive midfield role in our team like Matic, he would be a Fred/McTom type of player, with Bruno in front of him and someone else behind him

 

[RedDevilRoshi]

Different players.

I think we wouldn’t bother with a DM this summer under normal circumstances but seeing as Madrid have dropped the ball on this one it’s left the door open for us to make a signing a season earlier than we intended to.

Pogba will most likely stay and leave in the summer of 2021 now. We need to phase him out throughout next season though, hence the Grealish links.

VDB is most likely a replacement for Matic who’s surely only got a season left in him, playing part time at that.

Isn’t VDB more of a B2B midfielder than a defensive one? Looking at his highlights, he doesn’t look like a player that would sit back like Matic and protect the defence.

You might be right about the defensive midfielder situation. Even though I’d love us to sign a Thomas Partey or someone similar, I’ve got a feeling Ole might convert either Fred or McT into that role long term or even give Garner a chance by easing him into the 1st team if he’s ready?

 

[Adamsk7]

I can’t believe anyone is against this! We need good players, period. It’s not always about replacing a starter, it’s about creating the right mix of players that can compete for places! Matic was decent for a couple of months before the break but prior to that and Bruno’s arrival, there was virtually no competition for places at all. We need to see the back of Pereira (and realistically Matic too) so I don’t understand how a player that is an all round midfielder, capable of covering all the midfield positions and actually good enough to provide competition for any of our safe starters isn’t welcome?

if we buy a specialist DM, then that just alienates some players whilst keeping others safe. Donny’s versatility means every single one of our midfielders will feel the pressure to perform and I like the idea of that.

 

[Nou_Camp99]

A CM/10 signing only makes sense if we've agreed to let Pogba go this summer.

Unless he's signing a new deal he has to go this summer or next summer for half. The following year he could walk away for nothing and that's not going to happen.

 

[crossy1686]

Trying to work this out. Current team.

DM: Matic
CM: Fernandes, Pogba, McTomminay, Fred, Pereria
AM: Lingard, Mata

If we presume that Lingard and Pereria are leaving this summer and Pogba and Matic will only be around for one more season, we look like this by summer 2021:

DM:
CM: Fernandes, McTomminay, Fred,
AM: Mata

That probably leaves us in a pretty desperate position recruitment wise. Trying to recruit when everyone knows we're in dire need, and also no guarantee anyone decent will be available.

If we sign the players we're being linked with, we would look like this come summer 2021:

DM: VDB/Garner/Levitt?
CM: Fernandes, McTomminay, Fred, Bellingham
AM: Mata, Grealish

I appreciate those players can play in multiple positions across the midfield also.

I think we're being smart for once and actually thinking about the future instead of the here and now.

 

[RedDevilUnited369]

I really doubt this. We didn’t get Werner and a positive story pops up. This time next week this will be forgotten.

 

[crossy1686]

I really doubt this. We didn’t get Werner and a positive story pops up. This time next week this will be forgotten.

We didn't get Werner because we weren't in for him. We spoke to him but told him it was dependant on Pogba being sold, which doesn't look like it will happen this summer.

 

[Nick7]

I really doubt this. We didn’t get Werner and a positive story pops up. This time next week this will be forgotten.

I don’t think we were even in for Werner.

 

[KirkDuyt]

We obviously wouldn't be buying him for a creative influence though? We've got Pogba, Bruno, Rashford and hopefully Sancho.

Yeah of course, but the way United currently play doesnt really suit him. Ajax is really a perfect fit for him, same as the 2 guys I mentioned. Simply put, I just don't think he's that good.

 

[cyberman]

I really doubt this. We didn’t get Werner and a positive story pops up. This time next week this will be forgotten.

Dont think setting ourselves up for missing out on a player is setting anything up

 

[Jim Beam]

Unless he's signing a new deal he has to go this summer or next summer for half. The following year he could walk away for nothing and that's not going to happen.

Well, if there is no one willing to spent 100-120 million on him then you can't say we sold him for half the summer after. And if the difference is between 60 and 80 million you sure as feck don't sell him considering he can give you CL spot if fit and in form. Hell, he gives you a fantastic season and you may be able to get the same amount you could get this summer even if there is just a year left on his contract.

Then you count the possibility we massively improve as a team and he signs a new contract seeing we can actually compete with top sides.

If there is no one willing to pay a massive fee and he doesn't make a fuss, we just shouldn't sell this summer.

As for de Beek, a fee around 35 million and we should try to make a deal considering his versatility imo. Pogba out or not.

 

[Sjaakmeoff]

Trying to work this out. Current team.

DM: Matic
CM: Fernandes, Pogba, McTomminay, Fred, Pereria
AM: Lingard, Mata

If we presume that Lingard and Pereria are leaving this summer and Pogba and Matic will only be around for one more season, we look like this by summer 2021:

DM:
CM: Fernandes, McTomminay, Fred,
AM: Mata

That probably leaves us in a pretty desperate position recruitment wise. Trying to recruit when everyone knows we're in dire need, and also no guarantee anyone decent will be available.

If we sign the players we're being linked with, we would look like this come summer 2021:

DM: VDB/Garner/Levitt?
CM: Fernandes, McTomminay, Fred, Bellingham, VDB
AM: Mata, Grealish, VDB

I appreciate those players can play in multiple positions across the midfield also.

I think we're being smart for once and actually thinking about the future instead of the here and now.

He's not a DM. Yes, he played there. But only in a double pivot system after Frenkie left. But he's an AM. Best suited to play with a false/roaming 9.

 

[RedDevilUnited369]

So we can’t spend 50m on Werner but we can on yet another midfielder???

Why? Unless Pogba is going, how can we afford another midfielder when we will need a striker in January???

 

[Vault Dweller]

@izec
I don't know but I can't see how we get DvB in without someone in the first team making way.

I don't want Pogba to go by the way. Would be delighted if he signs an extension but I do think the whole saga needs sorting before we start the new season as the media circus is a huge distraction which I've grown tired off. Either sign an extension or get rid and bottom this off one way or another.

I think we will keep Pogba mate and to be honest if VDB comes in I can see some squad players going. I think for too long the depth in our squad has been poor, bringing him in certainly adds quality and depth.

 

[Garry Buck]

I would be happy with this guy only if we got Grealish as well. Then we can sell Pogba.

 

[Paxi]

So, the most important question is what we're going to call this kid. "Donny van de Beek" is too long and getting the capitalisation right is too complicated.

I vote for DVDB. It sounds like a Pornhub genre and that's good.

Call him woody fecking harrelson.

 

[kirk buttercup]

So we can’t spend 50m on Werner but we can on yet another midfielder???

Why? Unless Pogba is going, how can we afford another midfielder when we will need a striker in January???

I think Greenwood is going to be given the chance to step up. We do need more quality in Midfield , Pogba spent most the season injured and Lingard and Perreria just arent good enough. Going forward we need quality that can be rotated and this guy fills multiple positions . This would be a very good signing imo . Sancho is the One we really need , but this will add yet another layer of quality .

 

[Paxi]

So it seems like he was playing different roles for Ajax, that would be akin to Herrera at Bilbao who played number 10, 8 and 6 under different managers. Maybe Donny is a direct replacement for Herrera, albeit a year later. Well be getting in a versatile midfield who’s good everywhere but not necessarily a specialist anywhere. Good enough for me, as we’re always an injury away from shit show.

 

[RedDevilUnited369]

I think Greenwood is going to be given the chance to step up. We do need more quality in Midfield , Pogba spent most the season injured and Lingard and Perreria just arent good enough. Going forward we need quality that can be rotated and this guy fills multiple positions . This would be a very good signing imo . Sancho is the One we really need , but this will add yet another layer of quality .

He’s a box to box midfielder. His goals and assists don’t add up to him being purely attacking.

Both Fred and McSauce think they are box to box so which one does he replace?

We need a proper DM to replace Matic eventually.

 

[jamesjimmybyrondean]

Why do people keep talking about preferring a DM. We play a pivot and VdB can play there. We play with an AM and VDB can play there. We don't play with a DM!!

 

[flappyjay]

Madrid are in the fortunate position of being able to sign nobody and still competing for the league title. CL might be a step too far but not the end of the world when you have 13 of them.

PL is just too competitive to not make moves which is why all our clubs will probably do some type of business even if its not as much as usual. Chelsea being the exception due to their transfer ban being over and having the Hazard n Morata cash.

They also have good players coming from loan like Odegaard. When does hakimi's loan at dortmund end?

 

[ivaldo]

I really doubt this. We didn’t get Werner and a positive story pops up. This time next week this will be forgotten.

Have you got any spare tinfoil?

 

[flappyjay]

Or maybe Ole doesn't want to ever have to rely on lingard and Pereira again

 

[carvajal]

They also have good players coming from loan like Odegaard. When does hakimi's loan at dortmund end?

This summer, although Odegaard probably will stay at Real Sociedad

 

[Ace of Spades]

I am not really giving much importance to all the rumour currently, but if we do sign this or any other player it won't be as a replacement for Pogba.

We have the likes of Lingard and Periera who are not good enough, and even Mata and Matic are probably only going to be with us for a season more.

I think Sancho and Bellingham are priority, and then it is between VDB and Grealish. We could just be waiting for the season to end to see whether Villa are going down or not, as the valuation may change because of that.

Personally, don't think he is that impressive and would rather get Grealish instead.

 

[Suvvernmanc]

This statement is annoying as it has been said a million times but 'if pogba is off', and we can bring in Grealish and Donny with the money then that would be a superb bit of business from us.

 

[Hawks2008]

Why do people keep talking about preferring a DM. We play a pivot and VdB can play there. We play with an AM and VDB can play there. We don't play with a DM!!

We sorely lack a midfielder that is competent at defending space behind them with the exception of Matic who at his age is not dependable for a season. And we also don't have any midfielders who are capable of progressing the ball from the deeper areas.

Another AM doesnt balance the midfield at all, in a vaccum it adds creativity to the squad but that's it.

 

[bosnian_red]

I am not really giving much importance to all the rumour currently, but if we do sign this or any other player it won't be as a replacement for Pogba.

We have the likes of Lingard and Periera who are not good enough, and even Mata and Matic are probably only going to be with us for a season more.

I think Sancho and Bellingham are priority, and then it is between VDB and Grealish. We could just be waiting for the season to end to see whether Villa are going down or not, as the valuation may change because of that.

Personally, don't think he is that impressive and would rather get Grealish instead.

Think its 100% dependent on Pogba leaving, the selection of either Grealish or VdB. With Bruno here, VdB fits more IMO. But you look at the options we have right now...

• Bruno
• Pogba
• McTominay
• Fred
• Matic
• Mata
• Pereira
• Lingard
• Gomes
• Garner

For 3 spots, we have clear Pogba and Bruno as starters, then between the next 3 for the holding midfield starter. Then if one of the main 2 get injured, Fred and McTominay play together behind the other. Gomes comes in to a bigger role for cup games. Lingard as a squad player is fine. Mata and Pereira if they stay as cup game only players, again, is fine. Might be in a situation where Garner is on loan, Gomes is out of contract, Lingard goes to Milan, and we're left with 7 players, the 7th option being Pereira. Again, nothing wrong with that. The issue was Lingard and Pereira starting so many. That's been addressed with Pogba not being injured for a full season anymore, and Bruno in to start but also not force us into using them in case of 1 injury.

Neither Van de Beek nor Grealish would come if they are only squad players. Fred is a quality player who will be the first midfielder to come in for any injury, and Matic can still be a useful squad player as a holding mid with managed game time (as he's shown this season). Then we have 3 quality young midfielders in Garner, Gomes and Mejbri, and are going for Bellingham. The only way we sign any established midfielder is to replace Pogba.

 

[Champagne Football]

If there's any truth behind this then I believe Pogba will be gone at the end of the season.

I agree with this. I don't think there's any chance Pogba stays if PSG makes a nice offer. I think Ole deepdown is hoping and anticipating a big offer comes in.

Van de Beek would be a huge coup. He's an all rounder. He'd be brought in to be a no. 6 and no. 8 hybrid. He'd be our defensive midfielder who can create attacks from deep, but also bomb forward and score goals the way Roy Keane used to multitask. He's got a great eye for a pass and physically has the pace and power suited to the PL.

I think Ole will see Van de Beek as the perfect Matic replacent who can also play no. 8 or no. 10 if Bruno needs a rest etc.

 

[Eckers99]

Different players.

I think we wouldn’t bother with a DM this summer under normal circumstances but seeing as Madrid have dropped the ball on this one it’s left the door open for us to make a signing a season earlier than we intended to.

Pogba will most likely stay and leave in the summer of 2021 now. We need to phase him out throughout next season though, hence the Grealish links.

VDB is most likely a replacement for Matic who’s surely only got a season left in him, playing part time at that.

Matic, for all his flaws, has had an important role in the team over recent months. It's a very specialist position and one we don't have any cover for. Is VDB even adept in that role? From what I've seen he's much more attack minded, so wouldn't come close to solving that particular problem.