Rio Ferdinand has singled out the one quality he believes Donny van de Beek will bring to Manchester United.
Van de Beek played a prominent role in Manchester United’s 4-1 home win over Istanbul Basaksehir in the Champions League.
Filling in for absent Paul Pogba, the Netherlands international managed to showcase the talent and skill the Red Devils paid £40million for in the summer.
Van de Beek has yet to register a Premier League start for United, but his blistering showing on Tuesday could force Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to field him from the first minute against Southampton.
The 23-year-old midfielder failed to record a goal or assist last night. However, his one-touch play and quick movements in the center of the park enabled his other teammates to flourish.
After last night, it’s become obvious Van de Beek is an ingredient Solskjaer’s midfield has been missing. And Rio Ferdinand has spotted one of the Dutchman’s unique qualities.
“Yeah, I really, really was [impressed],” Ferdinand said, as relayed by the Football365.
“I think we’ve all been waiting to see him [Van de Beek] play. When you spend £40 million on a player, you want him to make more than just little cameos here and there.
“Obviously, we’ve been impatient with that, but Ole’s had a reason for that, and today he justified why he’s been brought to the club and why he’s thought of so highly in European football.
“It’s the intelligence, he’s the one player in this squad who’s happy playing one-touch, who’s happy playing two-touch, who’s happy playing it simple.
“He’ll sacrifice parts of his game for other people to flourish, and that’s an important factor in any great team – you need players like that.
“And he’s one player who I feel will make other players tick and perform better.
“I think Bruno was the main person today who benefitted from him being in this team.”
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