Dimitar Berbatov makes Donny van de Beek prediction once Everton loan from Man United ends

Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has said that Donny van de Beek could be ‘free to play’ under Erik ten Hag once he returns from his loan spell at Everton.

Last week Ajax coach Ten Hag was appointed as United's new manager from the start of the 2022/23 season. He previously managed Van de Beek at the Dutch club from 2017 to 2020.

The midfielder excelled under Ten Hag and was part of Ajax’s memorable run to the semi-finals of the 2018/19 Champions League when they knocked out both Real Madrid and Juventus before a dramatic defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the last four.

Van de Beek was on the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d’Or later that year and his form convinced United to spend £35m on his services in 2020. But after failing to secure regular football, the Dutchman moved on loan to Everton on deadline day in January. He has made just six appearances for the Toffees and has been hampered by thigh problems during his time at Goodison Park.

Berbatov, however, has backed Van de Beek to excel once he returns to Old Trafford in the summer after his loan spell and explained how his close relationship with Ten Hag would be key.

Berbatov, who played for United between 2008 and 2012 and scored 56 goals in 149 appearances including three in five games against Everton, wrote in his his Betfair monthly column: “Van de Beek could be free to play under Ten Hag. Things haven’t worked out so far at United for him.

"He will get a chance to show what he can do [under Ten Hag] and he has worked with Ten Hag before at Ajax which is always a good thing. Having that connection is great when you’re a player.

“The relationship with the manager is probably the most important thing. Van de Beek will know that Ten Hag trusts