Donny van de Beek joined Manchester United in the summer of 2020 and there were heavy expectations from the Dutch midfielder. He had been one of the most highly-rated youngsters in the world during his time at Ajax and played a huge role in their incredible run to the Champions League semi-finals. It is safe to say that his time at Old Trafford has not gone as one would have expected though.
Van de Beek has struggled for playing time under the management of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as well as Ralf Rangnick. And there are big question marks about whether he is ready for Premier League football.
With chances of first-team football slim, the Dutchman was sent out on loan to Everton for the rest of the season late in January.
And it appears that a conversation with Frank Lampard was important in helping Van de Beek make up his mind about moving to the Merseyside club. As tweeted out by Fabrizio Romano, the Dutch midfielder said:
Donny van de Beek: "The conversation with Frank Lampard was important for me to choose Everton - was really positive. He told me that we can do a great job together, we've same football ideas". 🔵 #EFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 1, 2022
Everton were trying to include a buy option clause - Man United said no way.
Manchester United star makes Lampard claim after joining Everton on loan
It is just recently that Everton have appointed Lampard as the club’s manager. And it is safe to say that he has a tough task on his hands.
Everton have struggled this season and currently sit at 16th in the Premier League table. Thus, they could very well be involved in a relegation battle. It remains to be seen how things unfold.
It is a good move for Van de Beek though as he is finally expected to get a lot of playing time and also has the opportunity to work under the management of Lampard, who has had a great record till now when it comes to developing young players.
But it must be said that Van de Beek’s long-term future at Manchester United still remains up in the air and will depend on the club’s next manager.