FIVEUK: Donny Van de Beek interview

sugar_kane

Full Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2013
Messages
3,424
He was very good in 19/20, and had a really good 20/21 too. Crazy if you think otherwise, checkout the links, the praise was almost unanimous. He's not world class, but he's a solid 7/10 player. Its not a surprise he is selected over Fabinho for the Brazil National team. Lots of people were nominating him for most improved player in both 19/20 and 20/21. His stats also tell you that.

Not too long ago, many people on redcafe were calling him as good as Kante. He is a proper box to box midfielder. His energy is something we miss when dont play him, and he's a good ball winner(on the press), and quick to release the ball as well. Often in matches where we set up to counter its particularly effective, as he plays line breaking passes, and is better on the ball compared to McT. There's a reason him and McT were our first choice last season. Your point about savvy teams is bogus, because his best games for us have come against the likes of City, Liverpool, PSG etc.

Is he a limited player? Yes. Is he a first XI player player for a title winning team? Probably not. But that doesnt mean he is crap. He is a good midfielder and has put in a lot of good performances for us, deserves to be in our squad, and anyone saying otherwise probably doesnt watch us play regularly.
You’ll probably get tonnes of shit for defending Fred, so just want to jump in and say I agree.

The amount of stick he gets from our fans is unbelievable, he’s had a bad start to the season but in the last couple of seasons on balance has been good for us.

Although, citing Cafe posters saying he is good as Kante… would probably just put that down to a few posters on this forum being nutcases.
 

Dve

Full Member
Joined
Jan 13, 2019
Messages
2,898
All the same I don’t think Fergie would’ve taken to it well either. And I imagine Pogba would be on a new contract right now or out in the cold. Different times. I can’t say for certain which is wrong and which is right. But I recall Berbatov keeping his mouth shut most of the season in the only situation I can recall similar to this one. And I think Fergie was bang out of order there just as Ole is here.

It’s all getting a bit tedious now. OGS is lauded for his man management which is fair enough on the whole I suppose. The players deserved some autonomy and pats on the back after having to put up with Mourinho’s narcissism. But I do worry that he is a bit of a pushover at times.
But what exactly did Donny say that could cause a reaction? That he wants to play more? I think Ole only would worry if he said he wanted to play less.
 
Last edited:

Withnail

Full Member
Joined
Jan 5, 2019
Messages
29,329
Location
The Arena of the Unwell
Yeah and then at 24.15ish where he implied that Carrick and McKenna don’t know what they are doing, with no emphasis on patterns of play is so revealing.
That's worrying, but not entirely surprising. We've suspected a lack of sophistication in coaching for a while.
Umm nothing of the sort is said at that time point, really shows that people hear what they want to hear.
Thats exactly what I came here to say. Not once does Donny say anything of the type. The dude either lacks basic comprehension skills, or an agenda against one of our own players. Neither is particularly good.
:lol:
 

Dve

Full Member
Joined
Jan 13, 2019
Messages
2,898
He has every right to be pissed off, no doubt, I just think agents should be seen and not heard (at least outside the club). It can polarize fans; all that Raiola says in the media impacts the view of Pogba for many fans.
I think I´d had it with donnism now. "Every right to be pissed off". Based on what. You don´t give players game time just because you fell sorry for them, or because they are handsome.
 

Dve

Full Member
Joined
Jan 13, 2019
Messages
2,898
Basically he now calls himself Different Donny and hope Ole notices the improvements. He sounds pretty down to earth, knows he had to improve and adapt, etc.
Yet, when asked to elaborate on the content of the different Donny, he had nothing to say for it (except having bulked up a bit). I was hoping he had more to add, like being braver on the ball, more progressive in his passing. Or anything.
 

roonster09

Hercule Poirot of the scouting world
Scout
Joined
May 10, 2009
Messages
36,514
Yet, when asked to elaborate on the content of the different Donny, he had nothing to say for it (except having bulked up a bit). I was hoping he had more to add, like being braver on the ball, more progressive in his passing. Or anything.
How can he say that when he played a total of 0 mins?

He said he is stronger now and has one year of experience playing in English league, so he is much different from the De Beek we signed last season.
 

Highfather_24

Full Member
Joined
Sep 20, 2014
Messages
2,725
You’ll probably get tonnes of shit for defending Fred, so just want to jump in and say I agree.

The amount of stick he gets from our fans is unbelievable, he’s had a bad start to the season but in the last couple of seasons on balance has been good for us.

Although, citing Cafe posters saying he is good as Kante… would probably just put that down to a few posters on this forum being nutcases.
Yep, agreed on all counts. The last part also, that was typical Cafe doing the usual hyperbole, like now, but in the opposite direction.

To bring it back to Donny, I think he lacks the positional discipline to be a #6. His most dangerous trait is his movement, so to limit that would be foolish. And he's not creative enough to be our #10.

I would play him as our #8 and rotate him with Fred. With McT/Matic as his midfield partner.
 

the_cliff

Full Member
Joined
Sep 4, 2013
Messages
5,327
Not a knock on Donnie but I think the difference between the Eredivisie and the other top leagues is a big one. From the 2018 Ajax team that reached the semi finals only Frenkie De Jong you can say has been fairly successful although he has also been average in large parts. De ligt, Donnie, Ziyech, Veltman, Kluivert and Dolberg have been vastly disappointing when making the step up in their respective leagues. I do understand his frustration in terms of playing time but we are in a situation where we can't afford to experiment in the league as every game is a must win. He'll start to get playing time once we start our cup runs but again, if he is as disappointing in those cup games as he was last season he'll be left out and rightfully so. Unfortunately you can't expect to start for Manchester United based on your performances in a ucl in 2018.
 

PeteManic

Full Member
Joined
Dec 22, 2012
Messages
2,152
Did he mention how much he likes getting paid at United. He must be on near £200k.
 

SATA

Full Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2005
Messages
15,199
Location
We all love United
What a dull and boring interview indeed. Almost too political as i would want him to reveal much more. Even when he was simply asked to pick out the best players in training, he answered like he didn't want to particularly offend anyone. Can't believe i sat through the whole of that :lol:
 

GBBQ

Full Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2012
Messages
4,806
Location
Ireland
I think I´d had it with donnism now. "Every right to be pissed off". Based on what. You don´t give players game time just because you fell sorry for them, or because they are handsome.
If he was promised games and didn't get them of course he has a right to be pissed off. That's nothing to do with footballing ability or who the player is, if anyone is promised something and it doesn't materialize then you are allowed be pissed off.
 

captaincantona

Full Member
Joined
Jun 20, 2013
Messages
1,609
Accepting the fact that I have no idea whatsoever if, as he said, he can actually play as a 6 (disciplined, providing cover, snuffing out threats) I have to admit...the thought of Donny coming deep and taking the ball off Varane, Harry or DeGea (great first touch, much better awareness of his surroundings and where his next pass should be going, more press resistant and potential to be coached in looking for a forward pass more often) makes me a lot calmer then every time I see Fred showing for the ball or McTominay for that matter.

I think at the very least it would be exciting and it’s something I think I need to see.
 

Bestietom

Full Member
Joined
Dec 16, 2013
Messages
8,021
Location
Ireland
If ole really does want him he would play him, and if he gets a chance he has to prove himself worthy of his place.
This will be his final chance here and he just has to take it.
 

Jaxa

Full Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2011
Messages
2,928
Location
Old Trafford
What a dull and boring interview indeed. Almost too political as i would want him to reveal much more. Even when he was simply asked to pick out the best players in training, he answered like he didn't want to particularly offend anyone. Can't believe i sat through the whole of that :lol:
I mean imagine you got interviewed and asked opinions about your work colleagues and bosses in front of the public eye, you are obviously going to answer politically as you;ve got to walk past them on Monday morning and work with them.

I agree it wasn't that juicy but i can fully understand, his situation at United is sticky and he can't be saying shit that will get him in hot water and really give Ole an excuse not to play him even more so
 

romufc

Full Member
Joined
Apr 30, 2019
Messages
12,553
We will see in the next few weeks how much Ole rates Donny. I remember in the past, after an international break, Ole has rested quite a few players who have been on the break in favour of players he has worked with for the 2 weeks.

last season we saw post International break Mata get minutes, Matic as well.

Lets see if Donny gets his chance given Pogba, Bruno have played internationally.
 

Ananke

Full Member
Joined
Feb 26, 2014
Messages
1,431
Location
Manchester
I usually like FiveUK interviews but yeh this one was a bit 'nothing/neutral'. Not surprising though :lol:
 

Pronewbie

Peep
Joined
May 17, 2004
Messages
6,636
Location
In front of My Computer
He has every right to be pissed off, no doubt, I just think agents should be seen and not heard (at least outside the club). It can polarize fans; all that Raiola says in the media impacts the view of Pogba for many fans.
I see where you’re coming from. I suppose unlike Pogba’s case I’m less affected by his agent for now because I find the reasons more valid and less distractive. Raiola certainly times his in a very toxic way.

That said, we certainly do not want agents publicly throwing ultimatums at the club.
 

Herman Toothrot

Full Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2021
Messages
1,686
I wanted to watch this but watching Stephen Howson, my Lord! He makes me feel so embarrassed to be a human being that I draw the curtains, pour myself a strong drink and ask uncomfortable existential questions.

The bottom line with DVB is that he's not impressed, not even glimpses. I want it to work for him, but he needs to be demanding a starting spot, not having his agent constantly telling tales out of school. It's his chance and he needs to take it. Never have I seen him play and think, 'yeah he needs to start the next match'. Not once. The club saw an opportunity, gambled on a talent at a decent price and may or may not work out. Time is running out for DVB, not for Manchester United.

Step up or take your mouthy agent elsewhere where it can all be love, hugs and an unconditional place in the starting line-up.
 

Cassidy

No longer at risk of being mistaken for a Scouser
Joined
Oct 2, 2013
Messages
31,029
I wanted to watch this but watching Stephen Howson, my Lord! He makes me feel so embarrassed to be a human being that I draw the curtains, pour myself a strong drink and ask uncomfortable existential questions.

The bottom line with DVB is that he's not impressed, not even glimpses. I want it to work for him, but he needs to be demanding a starting spot, not having his agent constantly telling tales out of school. It's his chance and he needs to take it. Never have I seen him play and think, 'yeah he needs to start the next match'. Not once. The club saw an opportunity, gambled on a talent at a decent price and may or may not work out. Time is running out for DVB, not for Manchester United.

Step up or take your mouthy agent elsewhere where it can all be love, hugs and an unconditional place in the starting line-up.
Don't believe anyone has asked for that, a fair chance only. And its unfair to say he hasn't impressed even in glimpses
 

justsomebloke

Full Member
Joined
Oct 25, 2020
Messages
5,861
He was very good in 19/20, and had a really good 20/21 too. Crazy if you think otherwise, checkout the links, the praise was almost unanimous. He's not world class, but he's a solid 7/10 player. Its not a surprise he is selected over Fabinho for the Brazil National team. Lots of people were nominating him for most improved player in both 19/20 and 20/21. His stats also tell you that.

Not too long ago, many people on redcafe were calling him as good as Kante. He is a proper box to box midfielder. His energy is something we miss when dont play him, and he's a good ball winner(on the press), and quick to release the ball as well. Often in matches where we set up to counter its particularly effective, as he plays line breaking passes, and is better on the ball compared to McT. There's a reason him and McT were our first choice last season. Your point about savvy teams is bogus, because his best games for us have come against the likes of City, Liverpool, PSG etc.

Is he a limited player? Yes. Is he a first XI player player for a title winning team? Probably not. But that doesnt mean he is crap. He is a good midfielder and has put in a lot of good performances for us, deserves to be in our squad, and anyone saying otherwise probably doesnt watch us play regularly.
Hear hear.
 

Herman Toothrot

Full Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2021
Messages
1,686
Don't believe anyone has asked for that, a fair chance only. And its unfair to say he hasn't impressed even in glimpses
He's had many chances, he 30-odd appearances last season, he'll get more this season too. He's got to make them count. If he isn't demanding a first-team spot by the end of the season, that's on him. He's not going to be leaving to command a leading role at a better club. I see nothing in him, but I saw nothing in Fred either and he's done a really good job with the ability he has.

There might be a brilliant player in there.

I hope for the very best, he's got my full support and I'll be cheering him on. I've just had enough of all the chit-chat, we're not talking about a Veron figure here, we're talking about a Jordi Cruyff.

Get your head down, shut your agent up.
 

VP89

Pogba's biggest fan
Joined
Dec 6, 2015
Messages
31,121
He's had many chances, he 30-odd appearances last season, he'll get more this season too. He's got to make them count. If he isn't demanding a first-team spot by the end of the season, that's on him. He's not going to be leaving to command a leading role at a better club. I see nothing in him, but I saw nothing in Fred either and he's done a really good job with the ability he has.

There might be a brilliant player in there.

I hope for the very best, he's got my full support and I'll be cheering him on. I've just had enough of all the chit-chat, we're not talking about a Veron figure here, we're talking about a Jordi Cruyff.

Get your head down, shut your agent up.
He only played around 1,450 mins, which equates to what 16 full games?

Of his 1450 mins around 40% was in cup games working with a very, very disjointed second string side. He's up against it in terms of showing his worth.
 

Herman Toothrot

Full Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2021
Messages
1,686
He only played around 1,450 mins, which equates to what 16 full games?

Of his 1450 mins around 40% was in cup games working with a very, very disjointed second string side. He's up against it in terms of showing his worth.
He absolutely is, I agree.
 

OleTheGreat

Full Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2019
Messages
814
Location
Bangalore, India
I think Ole must allow Pogba and Bruno to play ahead of VDB once and try it. Maybe now that he has added some muscles he can don the #6 role. I would like it if he can be disciplined and try to be robust when necessary. His short passing is decent but I doubt his long range passes are good because we haven't really seen it. I also don't think VDB has played alongside the best United XI unless from the bench. There is no harm is trying it out.
 

therealtboy

New Member
Joined
Jun 21, 2013
Messages
783
Location
Dubai
Supports
Feyenoord
I remember reading before we signed VDB that Frank De Boer said #6 is his best position.
I've watched DVB coming up the ranks at Ajax, my cousin played against him in the Second Division when he played for Jong Ajax, he was a 6 then and played at the bottom of a 3 man midfield he kept the ball moving swiftly and was always in the right spot. He's a very clever player, knows when to take the extra touch and when only one is needed, We need that kind of player, he's not exceptional at anything but he's solid at the basics and right now we that.
 

Dve

Full Member
Joined
Jan 13, 2019
Messages
2,898
If he was promised games and didn't get them of course he has a right to be pissed off. That's nothing to do with footballing ability or who the player is, if anyone is promised something and it doesn't materialize then you are allowed be pissed off.
As he said himself, no manager can promise players games.
 
Last edited:

SadlerMUFC

Thinks for himself
Joined
Dec 7, 2017
Messages
5,746
Location
Niagara Falls, Canada
Donny picks Juan Mata for his dream team five-a-side team.

Does that mean that Donny doesn't know football now? Caf tells me that Mata is garbage

WHICH IS IT?!
5 a side is a different game where speed isn't as important as it is in 11 v 11. You need smart movement, good touch, and good vision. I'd pick Mata too.
 

Cassidy

No longer at risk of being mistaken for a Scouser
Joined
Oct 2, 2013
Messages
31,029
He's had many chances, he 30-odd appearances last season, he'll get more this season too. He's got to make them count. If he isn't demanding a first-team spot by the end of the season, that's on him. He's not going to be leaving to command a leading role at a better club. I see nothing in him, but I saw nothing in Fred either and he's done a really good job with the ability he has.

There might be a brilliant player in there.

I hope for the very best, he's got my full support and I'll be cheering him on. I've just had enough of all the chit-chat, we're not talking about a Veron figure here, we're talking about a Jordi Cruyff.

Get your head down, shut your agent up.
30 appearances... right ok that's the game we're playing.
He didn't get enough minutes to show his worth and if the club doesn't rate him then we should have let him leave.
Lets see if he gets better chances this season, his agent hasn't said anything wrong, if he doesn't get more chances he will leave, which shouldn't bother you since you don't believe he is good enough
 

CloneMC16

Full Member
Joined
Jul 15, 2021
Messages
4,390
I think Ole must allow Pogba and Bruno to play ahead of VDB once and try it. Maybe now that he has added some muscles he can don the #6 role. I would like it if he can be disciplined and try to be robust when necessary. His short passing is decent but I doubt his long range passes are good because we haven't really seen it. I also don't think VDB has played alongside the best United XI unless from the bench. There is no harm is trying it out.
There absolutely is. The PL has never been more competitive. We can't afford to drop many points if we're going to win the title. I can't see him ever being played as a #6 for us. If we were going to do it, it would have been tried by now.