The phrase "he was average/ nothing special" is used as a criticism, while I think it makes him look decent. How many midfielders in United can be labeled in such way?
Fred? Poor form from the start.
Pogba? Plays well every second game when not pressed.
Matic? Poor.
McTominay? Had a great game then got injured, not enough to rate him.
I want to point out, he had two decent games - one alongside Fred yesterday, and one with Matic against Everton, both in midfield two. It's a good sign for the future, we can't really judge van de Beek now, he plays serious football once per month.
In my opinion he is no worse then Fred like I said previously. Also, I don't see why some people would already write him off. It's true he doesn't excel at anything, but he also doesn't have glaring weaknesses like Fred and Pogba do, so it should be enough for a supporting midfielder role at United this season. He should definitely get more chances in midfield. We desperately need a plan B, can't always rely on McFred.
I really wanted him to do well because I feel bad for him not getting game time, but I think he just doesn't fit into our system anywhere. It's like he's playing a different game to everyone else in the team. I think he should move on for his own sake in January.
This comment isn't valid anymore since he was moved to midfield. It was true for Danny the AM, not so for Danny the CM. He's much more suited to deeper midfield role.