Van de Beek: The start is all important

The Dutch midfielder had an injury-hit loan spell away from the club last term, turning out a total of seven times for Everton, as Frank Lampard's side ensured they remained in the top flight, after a difficult campaign themselves. 

Now back with United and ready to kick on, the 25-year-old is hoping the efforts shown during the summer can be converted onto the pitch this season.

''We can’t wait,'' began our no.34. "We had a tough pre-season and trained so hard and worked so hard.

''We are ready now for the league and everyone is excited about it.

''I think we’ve managed to get some great work in and, for me, just being back with the team is great.

''Last season and the last few months were difficult because I was injured and I couldn’t train and play a lot. So it’s really nice to be back and training hard.''

With home form key to any team's success across the campaign, Donny has also insisted making the Theatre of Dreams something of a fortress is crucial to what he and his team-mates are trying to achieve. 

''It’s really important,'' he replied, when asked about the need to have the fans behind the team.

''If you feel the power from the fans, it gives you a lot more energy and confidence as well.

''The fans mean a lot to us as a group. It’s really important to make a good start on Sunday. We need the points and that will give us a lot of energy and help us grow as a team.''

Having now also linked up with new signings Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen, the 25-year-old is feeling even more positive as to what can be accomplished this season. 

''I think they [Martinez and Eriksen] are all enjoying it,'' he added.

''Of course, everyone is doing their best to make them feel happy and make them feel at home. I have a really good feeling [about them both], they’re doing great and they will help us a lot.''