Donny van de Beek came on at half-time for the third match running in pre-season after once again missing out on the starting XI. This time, it was a little different.
Rather than come on as part of a wholly changed team, Van de Beek was the only substitute at the interval, and it gave him an opportunity which he seized.
For 20 minutes before United made a further nine changes, Van de Beek got the chance to play with United’s first team.
Rather than be expected to conjure magic with developing talents Amad and Hannibal, which he was tasked with later in the game, Van de Beek was able to mix in with Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho. To great effect.
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More minutes with Manchester United’s first team needed
Van de Beek has struggled since his £35 million move to Manchester United from Ajax back in 2020.
Part of the problem is that he has been second choice, and when his chances have come, they have been with the rest of United’s back-up players.
Take the Carabao Cup defeat to West Ham last season when Van de Beek’s first start of the season came in a midfield with Nemanja Matic and Jesse Lingard.
Or the Champions League tie with Young Boys when he was asked to anchor a midfield of Juan Mata and Lingard, with Nemanja Matic at centre-back.
Van de Beek not only needs to be made to feel important, but he needs to be around United’s top players, consistently, to maximise his potential.
The Dutchman provided the assist for Marcus Rashford’s goal against Crystal Palace, after an excellent move involving Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho.
The trio are United’s first choice forwards on tour, and this was the first time Van de Beek had got the chance to play with all three.
The move featured some sumptuous one-touch interplay, with Van de Beek selflessly picking out Rashford for a tap-in.
It showcased the type of intelligent football Erik ten Hag wants to play, that he encouraged at Ajax, that Van de Beek can be a part of.
Van de Beek might not be first choice at United, but when he plays, he needs to be around first choice players.
If Ten Hag can give him more ‘real game time’ like this, then the Dutchman could prove to be a belated success at Old Trafford.
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