Juan Mata might have made Manchester United's mind up on Donny van de Beek's role under Erik ten Hag

That was admirable optimism of Donny van de Beek, liking the post on Ajax's Instagram page confirming Erik ten Hag would be swapping the tranquility of the River Amster for the choppier waters of the River Irwell.

Manchester United's last two Dutch signings lasted 18 months before they secured transfers and Memphis Depay was much more effective than Van de Beek. At Everton, Van de Beek has gone nearly two months without playing.

Van de Beek is recovering from a thigh injury and the Everton medical staff may also want to check his intestines to see if he has the stomach for a relegation scrap. Van de Beek was pictured in training at Finch Farm this week yet Frank Lampard's first acts as Everton manager to sign Van de Beek and Dele Alli were odd.

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However close Van de Beek was with Ten Hag, his two seasons in English football are more relevant than passing statistics against Go Ahead Eagles or an anomalous Champions League knockout run three years ago. If United had an authoritative and progressive manager in situ, Van de Beek would have a seat reserved in the departures' lounge this summer.

Ten Hag's appointment has reprieved Van de Beek, for now. He was mismanaged woefully by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, a fall-back target to the back-up option (James Maddison) when Jack Grealish proved too steep, and Van de Beek's former agent was so oblivious he no longer represents him. Van de Beek seldom excelled when he did start and his mentality is so questionable he attempted to join Everton on a season-long loan in August.

Davy Klaassen, re-signed by Ten Hag to replace Van de Beek at Ajax, could not hack it at Everton, either. United are understandably wary of signing Eredivisie-based