Pranav Nair
Edwin van der Sar appears to show his frustration at how Manchester United treated Donny van de Beek
According to The Daily Star, Manchester United legend, Edwin van der Sar has made a snide remark at his former side following Dutch international Donny van de Beek moving on loan to Everton.
The 24-year-old became Frank Lampard’s first signing at Goodison Park after he replaced Rafael Benitez as the Toffees’ new manager. Van de Beek has not had a good time since moving to England in 2020 and will hope for better fortunes on Merseyside.
Once seen as an excellent upcoming player at Ajax Amsterdam, he played a key role in their fairytale run to the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League semi-finals. He proved himself to be an excellent player and the sky appeared to be the limit.
Man United’s marquee signing of the 2020 summer transfer window, Van de Beek’s capture was a coup of sorts. He even set the ball rolling along nicely by coming off the bench and scoring on his debut against Crystal Palace. That, however, would prove to be as high as he would soar at Old Trafford.
One man who had a first-hand look at Van de Beek’s talent is former Red Devils ace, Edwin van der Sar. The veteran goalkeeper took to social media following the midfielder’s switch to Everton, wishing his countryman better luck on Merseyside.
“Better luck with this club in the North West of England Donny.”
Deserved criticism?
As a Dutchman and as a former Red Devil himself, the 51-year-old certainly has few reasons to be thrilled about the midfielder’s time at the Theatre of Dreams. He has now added his name to a list of former Man United players who remain nonplussed by the club’s treatment of Van de Beek.
While Van der Sar certainly does not appear thrilled to see his countryman suffer, it must be said that his comments do not villainize the Red Devils. However, the curt message does appear to have a harsher undertone to it.
The Red Devils have certainly failed to get the best out of Van de Beek and have in fact even set back his career a year or two. It must be said that any criticism that is levied at the club has been a long time in coming.
Neither Ole Gunnar Solskjaer nor Ralf Rangnick have shown any inclination to put their faith in Van de Beek. He has made a mere 14 appearances this season, clocking just 380 minutes of action.
The 24-year-old now has the opportunity to work under one of the finest midfielders of his generation at Everton and the onus will be on him to rebuild his career. Given that Man United were willing to let him go, it remains to be seen if he features in the club’s long term plans, to begin with.
More Manchester United News
- Transfer News: Manchester United denied late move from Watford for Dean Henderson
- Manchester United loanee Donny van de Beek explains how Frank Lampard can help him at Everton
- Manchester United always wanted Jesse Lingard to stay past this January transfer window
As for Van der Saar, it will take much more than this for Man United fans to turn against him. A majority of the fanbase would themselves agree with the fact that the club has been harsh on Van de Beek, and given that the two come from the Netherlands, it isn’t a surprise seeing van der Saar taking a stand for his fellow countryman.
