Paul Merson sends message to Manchester United over Everton transfer decision

Paul Merson has backed Donny van de Beek to ‘get his career going’ at Everton.

The Dutchman sealed a loan move from Manchester United on transfer deadline day and was Frank Lampard’s first signing as Toffees boss.

Van de Beek joined United from Ajax in the summer of 2020 for £40 million but only started four Premier League games for the Red Devils.

However, Merson is confident the Netherlands midfielder will flourish at Everton .

“I felt sorry for Donny van de Beek at Manchester United,” Merson told Sportskeeda .

“He never moaned and just got on with it. I think Manchester United have missed a trick here. He’s a very good player and I think he’ll be very successful at Everton.

“Frank Lampard can get Van de Beek’s career going. He was a top player at Ajax but fell behind the eight-ball at Manchester United.”

Merson also claimed that the 24-year-old needed to make an instant impact at Old Trafford in order to establish himself in the first team, but is confident he will have more time to adapt and acclimatise to his new surroundings.

He added: “At a club of that stature, you need to hit the ground running the minute you’re at the club. At United though, he was never given a chance. If it wasn’t going right for United, he was always the first to come off.

“The environment at Everton might suit him. They’re nowhere near as massive a club in the Premier League. As such, the expectations won’t be as big either.

“He’ll be able to relax and play the football he played at Ajax that got him to Manchester United in the first place.”

Van De Beek could make his debut for the club in Tuesday’s crucial trip to Newcastle.