Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been speaking about Donny van de Beek’s best role.
The Dutch midfielder has had a torrid time at Old Trafford since arriving back in 2020.
But with his former Ajax boss now at the club, van de Beek will be hoping that now is his chance to kick on.
Ten Hag: “Donny van de Beek’s best position is…”
Ten Hag has explained why the 25-year-old best position is playing in the Number 10 role.
The Dutch coach believes van de Beek is at his best when he is inside the opposition’s penalty area.
Ten Hag told BBC Sport:
“Donny van de Beek’s best position is his capabilities in the box of opponent.
“Playing short behind a striker he has a really good smell for being in the right position.”
In Ajax’s run to the Champions League semi-final in 2019, the new United manager played the midfielder just behind the striker.
Van de Beek played a key role in helping his team reach the last four and played his best football in that role.
Currently occupying that position at Old Trafford is Bruno Fernandes and this could see the vying for a place in the line-up.
DEN HAAG, NETHERLANDS – FEBRUARY 24: (L-R) coach Erik ten Hag of Ajax, Donny van de Beek of Ajax during the Dutch Eredivisie match between ADO Den Haag v Ajax at the Cars Jeans Stadium on February 24, 2019 in Den Haag Netherlands (Photo by Laurens Lindhout/Soccrates/Getty Images)
