Donny van de Beek made his first start of the season for Manchester United against Real Sociedad.
The Dutchman was called into the side amid a succession of injuries to attacking players, having made his return from injury at the weekend.
Van de Beek played 58 minutes before being substituted as Erik ten Hag made tactical adjustments.
The manager spoke after the game to say he was satisfied with the performance of the player he once managed at Ajax.
Ten Hag gives verdict on Donny van de Beek’s performance
Erik ten Hag told the club website he was encouraged with what he saw from the midfielder.
He said: “It was also a decent performance from Donny van de Beek because we need the options in the front line. We have, with Antony, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho, three good players who can have an impact that are not available. So then others have to do it and show that we have a squad.”
The situation was not ideal for Van de Beek to make an impact so soon after injury. He was playing against a strong defensive team, in a United side which were looking too light in attack. Marcus Rashford also started the game on the bench after not being fully fit.
Van de Beek completed only nine passes, making 19 touches, winning two duels and five ball recoveries.
The Dutchman will hope for more opportunities over the upcoming games, with two against Aston Villa and another against Fulham, before the World Cup break.
Last night’s performance wasn’t the type of display which will win his doubters over, but it should be taken for what it was, a solid comeback without injury, in a game Manchester United won 1-0 away from home.
He will be stronger for it, and he seems to have his manager’s approval, so let’s see if he can build on it and kick on and improve.
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