Donny van de Beek can finally breathe a big sigh of relief. He is free from his Manchester United shackles after months of being detained behind metaphorical bars.
His loan move to Everton during the last days of the winter window managed to momentarily end the midfielder’s tortuous relationship with Old Trafford.
The 24-year-old hasn’t started a Premier League game all season and desperately needs minutes under his belt before the World Cup kicks off.
Everton are attempting something of a revitalisation as well following the appointment of Frank Lampard. Goodison Park must hope a new manager and signing bounce will move them away from the relegation zone.
United fans hope the player who left Ajax in 2020 will return to Manchester in the summer a different man. One with renewed confidence.
While he’s away on Merseyside, Ralf Rangnick has a hole to fill in his squad. Not in terms of replacing Van de Beek’s quality – he rarely had a chance to show it – but for someone to become the latest cast-out figure at the club.
Here are two Red Devils we think are in danger of becoming the next Van de Beek.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
There was once a time when Aaron Wan-Bissaka looked irreplaceable.
The defender tied down the right-back slot immediately after leaving Crystal Palace for £50 million (BBC) in 2019 – mainly because competition for his position was stark to say the least.
Under Rangnick, however, Wan-Bissaka has found his match. After a long period out of the picture, Diogo Dalot is very much involved in the interim manager’s plans.
He has started six of the eight league games with the German coach at the helm and played 90 minutes against Aston Villa in the FA Cup.
During Dalot’s revival, Wan-Bissaka’s appearance record stands at three. The previously immovable object risks being pushed to the sidelines.
Eric Baily
Eric Baily has always been on the periphery of United’s vision. Sometimes he’s in the team; more often he’s out injured.
Occasionally the Ivorian pulls out a wonderful performance; too often it’s mediocre.
But with Raphael Varane’s return from the treatment room, Baily’s borderline stance may become more definitive. Victor Lindelof is arguably the third-choice centre-back behind Harry Maguire and Varane.
Other than the odd cup game, of which there aren’t many left, it’s difficult to see where Baily fits into Rangnick’s plans.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
