How Donny Van De Beek Proved Erik Ten Hag Correct With Assist Against Crystal Palace

Manchester United's 3-1 victory against Crystal Palace in their third fixture of pre-season saw Donny van de Beek register an assist just two minutes after coming onto the pitch.

As the only half-time substitute, the Dutchman linked up with United's attacking trident and slid the ball across the box to Marcus Rashford, who scored into an empty net.

After two quiet cameos against Liverpool and Melbourne Victory, it would've been great for his confidence to contribute to a goal this time around.

Erik ten Hag recently detailed the attributes that the midfielder brings to the table.

"He can do both," the manager explained when asked if United's no.34 is better as number eight or ten. "I know that from the past, but his best position, his best capability is in the box of the opponent.

“Playing short behind the striker, he has a really good smell of being in the right position.” Ten Hag added.

Manchester United

Whilst most of the midfielder's appearances have come in the deeper role since his move to Old Trafford, Van de Beek proved his manager's statement correct with his assist against Palace.

Ten Hag highlighted Donny's movement and offensive positioning as a strength, this was on show as Sancho drove forward into the opposition half on Tuesday.

After making an overlapping run, the midfielder was free to receive a pass from Martial, who drew the goalkeeper out of his goal.

Following on from that, with an empty net, Donny made the unselfish decision to pass across to Rashford, who was free on the edge of the six-yard box.

The Englishman finished into the open goal and doubled United's tally.

If it wasn't obvious beforehand, this goal should be another reminder than Van de Beek's attributes lay in the opposition third, and box.

Manchester United

His spacial awareness will be of aid to the likes of Sancho and Martial when he is afforded minutes, but he does not expect them to come without any hard work.

"Of course everyone was saying that because I worked with him at Ajax," Donny said when asked about suggestions that he'd receive consistent game-time under Ten Hag. "But, in the end, you have to play good from yourself and it doesn't make any sense who is the coach,

"You have to find your role in the team and, of course, he knows me as a player, but that means nothing.

"I have to show it for myself."

The 24-year-old has also vowed to continue to strive for more involvement, but that he will not change his natural way of playing in order to do so, even though some have said he will need to in order to compete in the Premier League.

"I will never change as a player. You can improve things, but you never have to change and I will not do that.

"Every player has his qualities, me as well, and that's it."