Donny van de Beek: Pundit thrilled by Everton star’s transformation after Man Utd ‘torture’
Alex McLeish has claimed Donny van de Beek has “thrown the shackles off” after impressing for Everton against Leeds United.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 24-year-old “must have gone through torture” at Manchester United since moving in 2020.
The Netherlands international made his first start for the Toffees and was named man of the match in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Leeds.
McLeish suggested Van de Beek struggled for “momentum” and “exposure” at Old Trafford.
He admitted he was thrilled to see the midfielder “throwing the shackles off” at Goodison Park.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “For some reason, he didn’t get it didn’t get the momentum at Man United that he would have liked.
“Also, maybe the exposure that he would have liked because United have got a hell of a big squad.
“They must have something that wasn’t quite there, confidence-wise or he just didn’t hit the ground running. We’re now seeing a very clever player.
“Let’s face it, the Dutch have got great pedigree over the years. It’s good to see a young guy throwing the shackles off and finally getting recognition.
“He’s gone through torture in the last couple of years. It’s really tough mentally, but credit to his mental strength to come through that.”
Van de Beek made just 14 appearances for Manchester United during the first half of the season.
The Dutch star has played 50 times for the Red Devils since joining from Ajax.
He has turned out twice for Everton so far, having made his debut as a substitute against Newcastle.
In other news, pundit fears “huge” behind the scenes blow after “speaking to people at Everton”.