Donny Van de Beek Shows Against Southampton Why He Must Continue to Start for Man Utd

It's understandable for fans to get impatient when their exciting £35m summer signing can't get a decent run in the side, but it also makes it that much sweeter when he does break in and proves his worth.

Donny van de Beek showed his class in his first Premier League start against Southampton playing deeper alongside Fred, keeping Manchester United's possession ticking along and popping up at both ends of the pitch when needed.

Would the Dutchman have started if the likes of Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay were available? Potentially not. But he was afforded the chance and, as expected, he made good on it. Incredibly good.

It was a dominant performance from the 23-year-old and gives Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a lot to think about in terms of how he sets up his midfield going forward. Pogba still can't find any consistency and McTominay is best used in a three man midfield with balance around him - Van de Beek has shown in his first Premier League start that he's the man to keep the role going forward.

The Dutchman looks extremely comfortable and press resistant in the role Pogba often plays but inconsistently operates in, and deserves the chance to make it his own. Ten ball recoveries, four tackles won and 100% dribble success against the Saints shows just how tidy he was in the role, where Pogba can often come under fire for his tendency to hold the ball for too long or not chip in enough defensively.

It also shows that Van de Beek can excel in the same XI as Bruno Fernandes, which United must capitalise on.

It's important not to overreact though, which is why Solskjaer has edged Van de Beek into the side in the first place. Pogba, McTominay and even Nemanja Matic still have roles in United's midfield. That shouldn't affect the Dutch international, though, who can not only ease the burden by rotating with Fernandes, but also play on either flank in a 4-2-3-1 formation, similarly to how the Red Devils have used Juan Mata.

Mata, now 32, doesn't have the legs to offer United his qualities over a full season. Van de Beek still has plenty to learn on the football side of things from someone like Mata, but can be equally as effective from the right flank in moving into space off the ball and popping up in attacking positions by assuming the free role. His energy also makes him a defensive presence, giving United another layer of cover with a tireless work rate.

There's always a risk in throwing a player around several positions that they become a victim of their own versatility - former Ajax teammate and fellow Dutchman Daley Blind endured the same fate at United - so Solskjaer must find one place where he can play Van de Beek consistently and stick to it.

It's important to credit the United head coach for his handling of the Dutchman, though. Easing him into the side has built up anticipation, but also allowed the 23-year-old to settle into his new surroundings without having acres of responsibility dumped onto his shoulders. It's almost like it was all part of a plan.

The secret is now out. Football has realised just how good Donny van de Beek is, and so have United fans. It's clear that he's more than worthy of a spot in the starting XI and will no doubt be pivotal for the Red Devils throughout the rest of the season.

Solskjaer's next challenge is ensuring that he does so effectively with a consistent role in the starting XI.