According to interim manager Ralf Rangnick, Donny van de Beek’s lack of playing time at Manchester United was owing to too much competition for a midfield spot.
Van de Beek joined Everton on loan on the final day of the January transfer window after failing to start a Premier League game under Rangnick or his predecessor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season.
The Netherlands international played in five of Rangnick’s ten games since taking over in early December, but only started the Champions League dead rubber against Young Boys.
Rangnick stated that he ultimately determined that Scott McTominay, Fred, and Bruno Fernandes were better suited to play in the central midfield positions that Van de Beek is best suited to.
“In the end, it’s a matter of competition,” United manager David Moyes remarked.
“Like Paul Pogba, I see him in the center of midfield as one of six or eight places, and we have a lot of talented players in those areas, so he didn’t get a lot of playing time.
“That doesn’t mean he can’t play in the Premier League or for Manchester United. I’m confident he’ll get his chance at Everton and demonstrate what kind of player he can be.
“He’s a terrific person, and in the last nine or ten weeks of getting to know him, I’ve realized he’s a fantastic team player, and I wish him all the best. I spoke with him and wished him the best of luck in the coming months at Everton.”
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Rangnick is getting ready to reintroduce Pogba to his midfield after being without United’s record signing since his interim appointment. The World Cup winner’s contract at Old Trafford is set to end in the summer.
Pogba is now ready to return from a calf injury suffered while on international duty with France in November, with a start against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday looking likely.
“I’m glad to have him back in the team because I indicated he might feature from the start tomorrow,” United boss David Moyes said.
“For me, his best conceivable position is one of the central midfield positions as an 8 or 10, but given how we’re currently playing, I’d prefer to see him in the 8 positions, but we’ll have to see.
“It’s up to him now; his contract expires in the summer, and he must show up whether he wants to stay or go somewhere else.
“It’s not only in our interest as a club but also in his personal interest, that he plays and performs at the highest level possible in the coming weeks.”
