Van de Beek concludes ‘most difficult’ period and thinks he can help United

Donny van de Beek has recovered from injury and is longing for more playing time at Manchester United. The attacking midfielder has an idea about his fill-in at centre-back.

Partly due to injury, Van de Beek has played little under Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford. Against Sheriff Tiraspol (3-0), he returned to the lines. “Being injured is the hardest thing for a player,” he said on United’s club channels. “You want to be on the pitch, be in the stadium with the boys and feel the grass. I’m happy to be back. Now I have to stay fit for a longer period and try to help the team.”

Being back in the matchday squad makes Van de Beek feel good. “I feel fantastic. I have to continue what I’m doing. If opportunities come, I have to grab them with both hands.” The Dutchman has an idea of how Ten Hag can use him. “In an attacking role, I can help the team, by playing between the lines and making metres with the ball. I can also contribute with my passes.”