Michael Carrick Makes Honest Donny Van De Beek Admission In Rare TV Appearance

Van de Beek joined United from Ajax in 2020 and it was seen as a major coup at the time, given how highly rated he was across Europe.

Carrick, who was caretaker manager of the Red Devils for a short period, admits the 24-year-old wasn't getting enough time on the pitch.

"Football is funny, at times. Sometimes things don’t work how you want them to work for a variety of reasons when you make a move to a certain club.

"I am delighted he is playing. He needed games.

"He obviously didn’t have enough, he will be saying, over the last year or so.

"He’s so versatile as well. He has got different strengths. He has played in a three tonight [against Tottenham Hotspur], but I think he is really dangerous in and around the box. But he is really clever in and around the box."

The Netherlands international has started four of Everton's last five Premier League games in comparison to his time at United, who he didn't start for in the league all season.

Carrick joined United's coaching staff shortly after retiring in 2018 and worked under Jose Mourinho until the 'Special One' was sacked later that year.

He'd then become a vital part of Solskjaer's staff alongside Kieran McKenna until Solskjaer was relieved of his duties in November 2021.

Carrick enjoyed three games unbeaten as caretaker boss, which included 1-1 draw with Chelsea and 2-0 win over Villarreal to seal qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League.