Erik ten Hag was pleased with Donny van de Beek's first-half performance after handing the midfielder his first start of pre-season in Manchester United's friendly against Aston Villa at the Optus Stadium.
Van de Beek had come on in all three friendlies to date, but an injury to Scott McTominay saw him promoted to the starting line-up against Villa in Perth.
It was part of a more attacking midfield, with the 25-year-old playing alongside Bruno Fernandes in a 4-3-3, with Fred in the holding role. READ MORE: United player ratings vs Aston Villa In awful conditions on a boggy pitch after heavy rainfall in Perth, United produced a slick first-half display to lead 2-0, but were pegged back after a disappointing second half, with Van de Beek and the rest of the outfield starters withdrawn just after the hour mark.
Ten Hag has challenged Van de Beek to show he is worthy of a role in the United side this week, insisting their past relationship at Ajax counts for nothing, and he was happy with his display in the first 45 minutes. "I think as all the players first half he had a good performance," Ten Hag said when asked about Van de Beek.