Jaap Stam believes Donny van de Beek has struggled to settle into the Manchester United team, but that the Red Devils have also failed to make the most of his talents.
Van de Beek was a high profile arrival at United when he joined for around £35million in 2020 but has never had an extended run in the side, first under former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and now Ralf Rangnick.
As a result he has been loaned out to Everton for the rest of the season, with Stam believing that his Dutch compatriot couldn't get to grips with United's playing style.
'With his qualities, Donny was a perfect fit for Ajax and the Eredivisie' Stam told Dutch outlet De Telegraaf. 'But Donny couldn't get his head around the way United are playing. Hopefully he will pick up his game again at Everton.'
Stam though sympathises with Van de Beek in that United did not play to his strengths when he did feature.
The former United defender claims the Red Devils would have benefitted playing him in a fashion similar to a box-to-box role.
Stam added: 'The manager had to make the choice to place him as one of the two defensive midfielders so that he could help in the build-up and play higher. For example, next to Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes before that.
'It all depends on chance what they show. Donny works hard, runs a lot and is also good on the ball. You can vary with him. He can help build up backwards and has the content to play box-to-box. Only he was not awarded such a role.'
Stam, who helped United win the treble during his Old Trafford stay between 1998 and 2001, still thinks there is a chance Van de Beek can succeed at the club, believing the instability in recent times has harmed Van de Beek's chances to progress.
'The lack of a philosophy or of a coach who just muddles around and has no idea is the problem there,' Stam continued. 'Also it has harmed Van de Beek, because he really has the qualities to succeed at Manchester United in the long run.'
