Donny van de Beek doubts raised after Manchester United loanee makes Everton debut

Doubts have been raised over Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek after Everton handed him a debut against Newcastle last night.

After starting life under Frank Lampard with an FA Cup win over Brentford, the Toffees suffered a reality check at St James' Park when the Saudi-backed Magpies grabbed three priceless points with a 3-1 win.

Everton had taken the lead through a Jamaal Lascelles own goal.

However, it was their relegation rivals who reigned supreme in the north east - picking up their second straight win through Mason Holgate (OG), Ryan Fraser and marquee January signing Kieran Trippier.

Everton were also notably busy in the mid-season window last month.

Indeed, they signed Dele Alli from Tottenham after striking-up a temporary deal with United for van de Beek.

Both players were handed their first outings in blue against Newcastle - but that double transfer decision has been questioned after the Toffees slipped closer to the dreaded drop zone. Van de Beek was introduced with 30 minutes left on the clock.

Speaking to Soccer Special on Sky Sports, pundit and former Scotland international Kris Boyd said: "Dele came on and he didn't really have an impact. Van de Beek, the exact same. We mentioned those two because they were the two big signings of the window.

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"But, for me, looking at it. They are two players that, when you are on top of a game, they can make a difference.

"When you are in a relegation battle, then I'm not too sure. Frank Lampard will be worried because that's as poor as I have seen Everton."

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