Former centre-back Jaap Stam has questioned Manchester United's use of Donny van de Beek following his deadline day move to Premier League rivals Everton.
The Dutchman — who joined United from Ajax back in September 2020 — has linked up with the Merseysiders on loan for the rest of the season in a bid to resurrect his career.
Signed for an initial £35million fee, Van de Beek struggled to lay down a marker at Old Trafford after being overlooked by both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick, failing to make a Premier League start this season.
And now that a temporary switch to Everton has been completed, former United defender Stam has explained how his old club could have utilised the Dutchman's talents to full effect.
Stam told De Telegraaf : "Donny has qualities that fit in perfectly with Ajax and the Eredivisie, but he could not adapt to United's style of play.
"I hope he will be able to get minutes under his belt at Everton and that his qualities will be used properly.
"United would certainly not have performed less effectively if they had fielded two holding midfielders, allowing Van de Beek to play higher up the pitch and be of importance in the build-up of attacks, along with Scott McTominay and behind Bruno Fernandes."
Van de Beek arrived at Goodison Park on what proved to be a very busy deadline day for Everton in more ways than one, with the club also confirming the appointment of Frank Lampard as their new manager.
Lampard, of course, built his career on scoring goals from midfield and Stam is hoping that the former Chelsea star's influence and presence will rub off on Van de Beek.
"Luck plays its part but Donny always shows a great work ethic, runs many miles a game and is comfortable on the ball," Stam added.
"He can be influential in switching play and has the capacity to succeed as a box-to-box player but he was never able to operate in that position [at United]."
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