“A real strength”- Carrick highlights the positional flexibility of this 24-year-old Man United ace | OneFootball

Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick sheds light on the versatility of Donny van de Beek

During his pre-match press conference for the Chelsea fixture (h/t United in Focus), Michael Carrick highlighted the flexibility offered by Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek.

While the 24-year-old had struggled for game time at Man United, the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may hand him a renewed opportunity to finally make a name at Old Trafford. The former Ajax Amsterdam midfielder scored the only goal in the humiliating 4-1 defeat to Watford and also started in their latest UEFA Champions League fixture against Villarreal CF.

While these opportunities have been few and far between, it certainly seems that he could be headed in the right direction following the departure of the Norwegian manager. The Dutchman was supposedly seeking a move away from the club and Everton were thought to be the prime candidate interested in him. However, a change in the managerial situation could see him stay and fight for his place in the team.

Carrick spoke highly of van de Beek and shed light on the flexibility that he brings to the Red Devils squad. He hasn’t been tested much with the Old Trafford outfit but things could be set to change in the months to come.

The caretaker manager certainly has an excellent opinion of the 24-year-old midfielder. Thankfully, he admits that the club has ideas on how to make great use of van de Beek’s abilities on the pitch. Exactly how that may remain to be seen.

Bruno Fernandes plays the role which is similar to the one that is most associated with van de Beek. The Portuguese midfielder has been an enigmatic presence in the middle of the pitch and it is highly unlikely that the Dutch midfielder would be able to take over his position in the starting lineup at the moment. That being said the former Ajax player has displayed a keen tactical ability and could slot in like a fish in water under the right manager.

This is something that he may have picked up from his former manager Erik ten Hag who is known for cultivating and grooming young players for the big stage. While Ole did a decent job of gaining the trust of the dressing room since joining the club as a manager, he never displayed the tactical awareness that some of his rival managers like Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, or even Mikel Arteta have displayed on several occasions.

Ralf Rangnick has been touted to take over at Old Trafford on an interim basis and his experience in the game could prove pivotal. While the situation at Old Trafford is very tricky a person of his experience and calibre should be able to steer the club in the right direction.

The German manager could help instil his own philosophy and brand of football in the Red side of Manchester. While the Dutch midfielder was being touted for a move away from the club, it seems as though he may be willing to stay a bit longer and fight for his position at Old Trafford. One could argue that Donny van de Beek still has the best years of his career ahead of him and the Red Devils will do well to retain their faith a while longer.