Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to potentially tactically tweak Donny van de Beek’s position.
If successful, the Red Devils will solve two problems that have become prevalent since his arrival.
Van de Beek joined United in the summer transfer window for a fee of £40m from Ajax.
His arrival was mooted as a clever purchase, with his performances in the Champions League catching the attention of Real Madrid.
But the 23-year-old has struggled in the Premier League and has admitted he is frustrated with the season.
In total, Van de Beek has accumulated 315 minutes of action in the top-tier – compared to 413 for his country.
(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
It has led to talk that the Dutchman could leave just a season into his United career, a situation Solskjaer wants to avoid.
He wants to concentrate the club’s efforts into signing better defensive reinforcements, which will have a knock-on effect for the estranged midfielder.
With the No. 10 role firmly locked down by Bruno Fernandes, and at times Paul Pogba, Van de Beek is being trained to play in a deeper role, reports the Athletic.
It is believed that with an elite enforcer next to him, the Netherlands international will shine – but he must work harder on his speed endurance to nail down the position.
Solskjaer has doubts over the likes of Fred and Scott McTominay, trusting them together but never on their own in the holding role.
(Image: Pool via REUTERS)
If the Red Devils coach gets the signings he wants, it would provide Van de Beek with more opportunities in the first-team.
The Athletic go on to report that while the former Ajax star is obviously not happy with his lack of action, he understands the difference between the Eredivisie and the Premier League.
Several defensive midfield options have already been eyed by United that could help unlock Van de Beek.
West Ham star Declan Rice is the rumoured top target, while Leicester ace Wilfried Ndidi and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Denis Zakaria are also on the wish list.
