Much has been made of Manchester United’s need to find a new midfielder this summer and it could well prove to be another expensive transfer window.
It’s clear United need to change things in the middle of the park, and it seems fairly likely they’ll be forced to dip into the market considering Paul Pogba could be heading for a second Old Trafford exit.
That being said, it’s a little further back in the number six role that United need some new blood, and there has been no shortage of names mentioned – chief among those is West Ham’s Declan Rice.
The England international has blossomed into one of the Premier League’s biggest stars over the past 18 months, demonstrating all the attributes United so desperately need to add to their midfield, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that United have made him a transfer priority.
But he will come at a price, and a hefty one at that. David Moyes went on record last summer saying it would take at least £100million to prise him away from the Hammers, so who knows just how much that figure has risen this season.
But when it comes to looking at potential candidates to play at number six, it shouldn’t be forgotten that United already have an option much closer to home.
Donny van de Beek has certainly not had a great time of it so far at Old Trafford, and his loan move to Everton came at a vital time. Since making his way to Goodison Park, the Dutchman has started to show he can forge a career in the Premier League.
And his performance against Manchester City on Saturday demonstrated just what United are missing out on and why supporters have been crying out for him to be given an opportunity.
Against the league leaders, and arguably the best team in Europe right now, the Netherlands international demonstrated the sort of temperament and skillset needed in midfield to keep the City threat at bay.
Amid an impressive first-half showing for the Toffees, Van de Beek ensured there was no sniff of a chance for the visitors to break away and hit them on the counter, racing back in order to keep Raheem Sterling on a leash and deny City at every venture.
The 24-year-old ended the game joint-second in terms of tackles made for the hosts, a feat made more impressive by the fact he was forced off injured with 20 minutes to go, while also weighing in with an interception and three clearances to help his side out.
Not only have his performances on the pitch given encouragement to United, but any lingering rumours about his conduct off it have been put to bed by Frank Lampard, who has described him as a "dream" to work with.
"On a professional level, since speaking to him and coming and seeing him train and play, absolutely impressed with his fitness, his game sharpness,” Lampard has said of Van de Beek.
"But when you watch him train it doesn’t surprise you.
"When I think back to the time he’s had at Manchester United, he’s a top-level player.
"He was when Manchester United signed him, he was at Ajax when I went up against him.
“To have a tough time is not easy, there’s different ways of reacting. I’m sure it was tough and he shows that if you keep your counsel, keep your head down and keep working in the right way, there’s always a way through it, and people will always respect you for that.”
There’s no doubt Rice would be a phenomenal signing for United next season, such have his performances been this season.
But should he prove to be just out of reach, Van de Beek has shown United they could already have a much cheaper solution to their midfield issues already at Old Trafford.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
