Pranav Nair
Manchester United touted to make a move for two Barcelona stars in exchange for Donny van de Beek
According to Tom Cavilla of The Express, Manchester United could ask for Philippe Coutinho or Miralem Pjanic in part exchange for wantaway midfielder Donny van de Beek.
The Dutch international was United’s marquee signing last summer. He got off to a flyer by scoring on his debut against Crystal Palace but that proved to be the high point of his time at the club.
Having made just four Premier League starts all season, Van de Beek appears ready to call time on his stint at Old Trafford. According to Spanish publication Sport (h/t The Mirror), he is keen to move to Spanish giants Barcelona.
While it is true that Van de Beek struggled for form at United, he still has his best years ahead of him given he is just 23 years old. The Red Devils will be wise to keep hold of the player rather than give up on him prematurely.
The Dutch international enjoyed a fine spell at Ajax Amsterdam before joining United last summer. His stint in the Eredivisie showcased his ability and United will be foolish to discard it. For now, the onus is on both the player and the club to ensure his best is drawn out next season.
According to the report, United have been backed to move for Coutinho and Pjanic. While both players were good in their prime, they have fallen off the road in recent seasons.
A poor exchange
Coutinho never captured his form from his time in Liverpool and is a shadow of the player he once was. Given his affiliation to the Merseysiders, a move for him would be surprising. The Brazilian was linked with a move to United last summer but the trail has since gone cold. There is little reason for us to rekindle it.
The same can be said of Pjanic, who is nearing the final years of his career. The 31-year-old too has seen his best days and exchanging Van de Beek for him would be poor business. He is another player who was linked with us in the past, but better left alone now.
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United are better off keeping hold of Van de Beek. The Dutchman will benefit from having played a full season and a proper pre-season this summer. There is little reason for us to throw away a player for the future in an effort to land those who thrived in the past.
