Donny van de Beek might be about to benefit from FIFA’s latest sanctions that affect Manchester United and several other Premier League clubs.
It was reported by the BBC earlier today that FIFA had punished five top-flight teams for preventing their Brazilian players from jetting off on international duty.
United, along with Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Leeds United will all be without at least one Canarinho for this weekend’s round of fixtures.
In Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s case, this means Fred must miss out on the visit of Newcastle United on Saturday.
His banishment lasts between the 8th and the 14th, meaning he will also be forced to sit out the Champions League tie against Young Boys next Tuesday.
Compared to say, Liverpool- who have Roberto Firmino, Fabinho and Alisson absent- or Manchester City – Ederson and Gabriel Jesus- this is not the greatest loss to United.
They have plenty of quality in reserve to replace Fred, who is not always the fans favoured choice anyway.
Scott McTominay would be one obvious choice to step in for his South American teammate.
However, the Scot has only just returned from injury and Solskjaer might want to save his legs for a later date.
He could therefore turn instead to the fading outline of Donny van de Beek. Remember him?
Donny almost down and out
The Dutchman is quickly becoming a distant memory in the hallowed halls of Old Trafford.
Just 12 times the 24-year-old started for United last season, following his summer move from Ajax.
Van de Beek is yet to feature at all this campaign, constantly cutting a confused and bruised figure on the substitute bench.
But could Fred’s omittance be the opening he’s been longing for?
United need a central midfielder to fill that role.
Paul Pogba could be deployed there, but he works best when the shackles have been released.
Same with Bruno Fernandes; the Portuguese is a creator, not a container.
Nemanja Matic is available, yet he featured next to Fred in the 1-1 draw with Southampton.
So why not at least give van de Beek a try?
If not on the weekend, at least away to Young Boys, where the pressure is eased a little.
Breaks like these haven’t come around too often in his United career. Why tear this one away from him now?
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