Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag gives verdict on Donny van de Beek vs Aston Villa

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.

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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2-0, but were pegged back after a disappointing second half, with Van de Beek and the rest of the outfield starters withdrawn just after the hour mark.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.

The United boss again had words of praise for the front three, with Jadon Sancho scoring and Marcus Rashford forcing Matty Cash's own goal, while Anthony Martial again impressed.

"I think In general our front men, our forward players did well. They were really well connected," said Ten Hag.

"That is a weapon that is really hard to defend against. There was a lot of movement, a lot of skills and they can finish."

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