- 52 minutes ago
Van de Beek's Man Utd suffering to continue as Everton bow out race
Martin Macdonald
- 6 Nov 2021 10:38 GMT
- 3 min read
Donny van de Beek appears likely to stay at Manchester United in the January transfer window as Everton have apparently bowed out of the race to sign him on a permanent deal.
The Dutchman arrived at Old Trafford as their marquee signing in the summer of 2020, signing from Ajax for a reported fee of around €35 million.
However, he has had a nightmare at Man Utd in his first 15 months or so at the club, barely being used by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
In his first season at United, Van de Beek started 15 games in all competitions, with just four of those coming in the Premier League.
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In 2021/22, he has been limited to a paltry FIVE minutes of action in the Premier League so far.
During a recent Champions League match between Man Utd and Villarreal when the former were desperate for some inspiration, Solskjaer opted to bring on Jesse Lingard and Fred of Van de Beek, which prompted the former Ajax man to spit out his chewing gum and throw it towards the pitch in frustration.
Even though Solskjaer has continuously said Van de Beek has a future at the club, his use of the midfielder, especially recently, would suggest otherwise.
Man Utd haven't been playing well either and were recently demolished 5-0 at home by Liverpool.
The midfield has come in for criticism, which will only add to Van de Beek's frustrations.
No clear exit for Van de Beek in January
Everton, Tottenham, Juventus, Inter and Barcelona were mentioned as possible interested suitors.
The biggest interested party in the summer was Everton, who attempted to sign him on loan for the 2021/22 season only for a deal to not materialise.
Another loan deal has been mooted for January, but judging by recent comments made by Toffees manager Rafa Benitez, the club will not be conducting expensive business in the upcoming window.
"I had a conversation with Marcel [Brands, Everton's sporting director], and he was explaining, not exactly, but more or less the idea," said Benitez.
"I think we still have some time to consider what we have to do.
"When you go there and sit down and prepare your plan it may change depending on injuries, depending on the performances of players. I feel that in this case, when we talk about the owner who is someone who has spent £400 million in the last years then we cannot blame him for that.
"But, at the same time, it is a pity that we couldn't spend the money this year because of the financial fair play years. We have to be creative and think about how to manage the situation in the best way possible and be sure that in January we can be stronger."
There is the possibility that Everton could still attempt to sign Van de Beek on a loan deal that may be within their current means.
However, it would only be a temporary solution to Van de Beek's problem as he undoubtedly needs to leave Man Utd as soon as possible for the good of his career, which is stagnating at present.
If Solskjaer were to leave the club, and after that Liverpool result he came close, then the Dutchman would have the opportunity to revive his career under a new manager.
