Manchester United ‘Identify’ Ajax Star As Midfield Supremo’s Replacement: Right Choice By Ole

Manchester United could make a move for highly-rated Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek in the summer. The Dutch international has been a revelation for Ajax over the last few seasons, which has attracted interest from several clubs.

Now, Sport (via Daily Express) have reported that Manchester United are looking to sell Paul Pogba if the right offer comes in and are looking for replacements, one of them being Donny van de Beek.

The Dutchman has also been linked with a move to Real Madrid, who are also interested in signing Pogba. van de Beek’s contract with Ajax expires in 2022. The midfielder has scored 41 goals and 34 assists in 175 appearances for the club.

Donny van de Beek: A solid midfield option for Manchester United?

Manchester United will need to resolve the Paul Pogba situation – and soon. The Frenchman seems to have had his head turned by the interest that Real Madrid have shown in his services. With the midfielder’s contract at Old Trafford expiring next season, this summer is the perfect time to sell him.

United have a readymade replacement target in Donny van de Beek, who has impressed in the Dutch league and Champions League as well. The Dutchman is a midfielder who can play a few different roles, either as a central midfielder, making late runs into the box, or as an attacking midfielder, playing behind the main striker.

Donny van de Beek would strengthen the United midfield and give manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer several options in the central midfield and attacking midfield area. The signing of Bruno Fernandes transformed the club, and with the likes of Fred, Scott McTominay, and even Nemanja Matic showing good form in the 2019-20 season, another midfielder would add depth to the United squad while adding freshness and bringing in new ideas.

The Ajax midfielder is a player who has the technical ability and vision to thread clever passes into the forward players, while also making runs into the box to get at the end of crosses and passes. While he may not possess the dribbling ability and strength of Paul Pogba, van de Beek makes up for it with his passing. He could form a good partnership with either Fred or McTominay in midfield, and feed balls to the likes of Fernandes, Rashford, Martial and co. His inclusion will aid in transforming a Manchester United side which has looked lethargic in recent seasons.