How Manchester United could line up with Donny van de Beek

Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek could reportedly join Manchester United this summer.

The Red Devils, who are expected to be active in the upcoming market despite the current uncertainty in the world of football, are believed to have identified the 23-year-old as a potential arrival.

Ajax president Edwin van der Sar recently opened the door for the midfielder to join the 20-time English champions by admitting that the Dutchman is likely to move on.

Van de Beek has again been in impressive form at club level during the 2019-20 campaign, scoring 10 times and providing 11 assists in 37 appearances in all competitions.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side could line up next season if they were to bring the Ajax midfielder to Old Trafford.

Where Van de Beek would play for United is certainly open to debate; indeed, the Netherlands international has largely operated as an attacking midfielder during his career, but he has been used in a deeper role this season.

In fact, of his 37 appearances for Ajax this term, the Dutchman has started 19 times as an attacking midfielder and 18 times in central midfield, which is an indication of his versatility.

Van de Beek certainly has the quality to operate in a midfield two, boasting an 82% pass success rate in the Eredivisie this season, in addition to providing just under two key passes per game.

The fact that Bruno Fernandes moved to Old Trafford in January and made such an impressive start means that the Portugal international is currently in charge of the number 10 spot in the side.

Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho could arrive to form an exciting front four alongside Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, while there are not expected to be any huge alterations at the back.

As a result, perhaps the only other major talking point is the position alongside Van de Beek. Paul Pogba must be discussed and would certainly be an option should be remain at Old Trafford, but the speculation surrounding the France international's future continues to gather pace.

It would not be the end of the world if Pogba did move on, though, as both Fred and Scott McTominay have impressed for the Red Devils this season. Fred, in particular, has developed into a key player for Solskjaer and would provide energy and defensive awareness alongside Van de Beek, who would be expected to contribute further forward despite sitting deeper as part of a 4-2-3-1 formation.