The deadline-day moves that failed: what next for Van de Beek, Lingard & Martial at United?

The summer arrivals of Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo mean Manchester United’s squad is packed full of attacking talent, not to mention the impressive reserves they have in the defence and goalkeeping departments.

But this stacked squad means Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be faced with several unhappy players come January, when the window reopens.

In particular, Donny van de Beek, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial may struggle to find a spot in the Red Devils’ starting line-up and the trio all reportedly could have left the club on transfer deadline day.

Donny van de Beek

What’s been reported?

Dutch outlet, AD, claim Everton and Ajax made a late attempt to sign the midfielder on loan, but Solskjaer prevented Van de Beek’s chances of leaving.

His agent Guido Albers told Voetbal International: “There was a lot of interest from Italy, Germany, England, so that looked good. But you need co-operation of the club, and it looked like they would, but ultimately they didn’t.

“[We’re] disappointed, but also assuring for him, so that he will get his chance, and will get his minutes,” Albers continued. “But this will become clear in due time. He’s been promised that before, but we came to a clear agreement about this with the club, so we have all faith that it will happen now.”

What are his chances of playing?

With Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba in the squad, he’s unlikely to play in the No.10 role, but the lack of midfield options could work in Van de Beek’s favour.

The Dutch international may find a more progressive spot is available from the centre of the park, alongside a holding player such as Scott McTominay or Fred.

What can he do differently?

It might sound simplistic, but just play better when given the chance. Van de Beek has been too slow in possession and has not got to grips with the speed and sharpness of Premier League football.

The former Ajax man also should show more impetus off the ball and play fewer sideways passes, which may encourage Solskjaer to give more minutes in the coming months.

Jesse Lingard

What’s been reported?

The midfielder has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford all summer, but as the transfer deadline drew closer those reports became less frequent.

The youth graduate was reportedly a target for West Ham United, where he spent the second half of last season on loan, while there was also speculation surrounding Everton, Arsenal and Aston Villa.

What are his chances of playing?

Solskjaer has always maintained that Lingard is part of his plans, so that would suggest he can expect some playing time.

The England international’s biggest strength is that he can operate in any of the three attacking roles behind the striker, but at 28 there is still doubt surrounding his strongest position.

It seems unlikely that he’ll get in the side above Fernandes, Pogba, Mason Greenwood, Jadon Sancho or Marcus Rashford, and the best Lingard can hope for is a squad rotation role.

What can he do differently?

Recreate that West Ham form from last season. In fact, it would be near impossible to exclude him from the side should he perform with the same vigour and determination.

The problem is, he’s never really demonstrated such a consistent run in a United shirt and Lingard seems to thrive when he’s given more responsibility in the side.

That’s unlikely to happen with Fernandes and Pogba in the side, so finding a way to excel without being the biggest cog in the machine is another area the No.14 must improve on.

Anthony Martial

What’s been reported?

In France, L’Equipe claims Martial’s former club Lyon made a bid to try and sign him on loan before the deadline, but the forward turned down the offer.

What are his chances of playing?

Given he’s played all three league games so far, we’d say quite likely. However, Ronaldo’s signing and Edinson Cavani’s return means he will most probably drop down the pecking order and may have to settle for a spot out wide.

That’s one advantage for Martial, who has previously excelled both centrally and out wide, but recreating that form is the real issue for the Frenchman.

What can he do differently?

A lot! Firstly, look more interested on the pitch and play with some form of energy and enthusiasm.

With so many offensive options, putting in the work defensively will also be a big advantage for any player operating the four attacking roles.

Staying injury free would be a big plus for Martial after a difficult campaign in 2020/21.