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Here is donny
Donny van de Beek’s signing in the summer was supposed to signal a fresh look at Manchester United’s midfield, but fans had gotten used to seeing him on the bench rather than on the field in recent weeks.
As with Axel Tuanzebe, he has been carefully facilitated for match action at United, with that first Premier League start still elusive despite his impressive performances of late.
His performance against Leipzig was a bit disappointing and perhaps justified Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s decision to slowly introduce him into life at Old Trafford. It is still early, with the Dutch midfielder very happy to be at the club, but next time he is out of the team, it is worth acknowledging that the coach probably knows better.
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New favorite lineup?
United knew they needed to change something after their horror show against Tottenham and the four games since then have given us three different formations.
There was a 4-2-3-1 against Newcastle and Chelsea, a 3-5-2 against Paris Saint-Germain and now a 4-1-2-1-2 against Leipzig.
Following the summer lockout, United embarked on a remarkable unbeaten streak in the Premier League that largely occurred with the same staff on the same system. They paid the price with fatigue and predictability, but it appears that Solskjaer finally got the depth from the team to make other approaches work.
While it used to be Plan A or Plan B, there is now room for United to further expand their horizons with the option of a diamond in midfield, as well as fluid line-up changes within a match.
United could have a new favorite formation given the way they overruled the Bundesliga leaders, still offered an attacking threat and struck a perfect balance in midfield. We could see him again very soon.
Tuanzebe still needs time
Tuanzebe’s absence against Chelsea at the weekend was not a real surprise, but his absence against RB Leipzig can be described as minor.
Solskjaer has wanted to reiterate the need for playing time before the 22-year-old can become a first-team starter, but a two-game break may seem a bit excessive to some.
Many fans are hoping that Tuanzebe and Harry Maguire can form the long-term defensive partnership at Old Trafford, but clearly there is a need for a series of impressive performances before he is given such a level of confidence.
Solskjaer has been guilty of overdoing his best players in the past, and while Tuanzebe’s absence was frustrating, perhaps it shows that the coach is learning his lesson. A return to the bottom three could happen against Arsenal this weekend, with the youngster possibly in line to start.
United are undefeated since the international break after wins over Newcastle, PSG and RB Leipzig, and a draw against Chelsea somewhere in between. Next up is a home game against Arsenal, with United entering the game full of confidence after their landslide victory over the Bundesliga leaders.
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A true indicator of progress
A week after a homeless win, United were under pressure to show they could deliver while the pressure was against RB Leipzig. Even taking into account their strong start to the season in Germany, the pre-match expectations were a home win and United have the credit of delivering.
The performance was not mind-blowing, but it wasn’t lucky either, which shows the continued growth of this exciting young team.
Not only are United now in pole position to qualify from Group H, but they have beaten two of the four finalists in last season’s competition. It may sound ridiculous now, but that kind of shape suggests they could go a long way in Europe this season.
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