Manchester United fans were certainly not surprised to see Donny van de Beek making an instant impact on his first start for Everton.
The midfielder was given the nod from the off for the first time by Frank Lampard since making the move on loan from United, and he certainly didn’t hang about against Leeds.
Van de Beek played a huge hand in the hosts’ opener, with his dangerous cross being cut out only as far as Seamus Coleman, who headed in to give the Toffees the lead inside the opening 10 minutes.
And the Netherlands international continued to make a big impact, with Everton then taking a 2-0 lead through Michael Keane as Van de Beek enjoyed a much better afternoon than his parent club following United’s 1-1 draw with Southampton.
The Dutchman’s performance led former Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton to say on BBC Radio 5 Live: “I do not understand why Donny van de Beek didn't play at Man Utd. He has been everywhere today. It genuinely baffles me.”
Everton went on to record a 3-0 victory.
And United fans wholeheartedly agreed with Hutton as they saw their midfielder impress on his full debut for Everton, having been given very few chances at Old Trafford.
Van de Beek will remain on loan with Everton until the end of the season, although it is not known what his future will hold beyond that.
But, should he continue to produce performances as he is against Leeds, he may well force himself into the reckoning back at Old Trafford.
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