Last season, Donny van de Beek played a minor role for Manchester United and has been linked with a move.
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During Manchester United's friendly against Brentford on Wednesday evening, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer showed his faith in midfielder Donny van de Beek by awarding him the captain's armband.
At Old Trafford, a United team consisting up of youth, fringe, and veteran players drew 2-2 with the freshly promoted Bees.
The game was highlighted by several spectacular goals, with footage of Andreas Pereira's incredible 25-yard volley going viral on social media.
United's other goal was scored by Anthony Elanga, who continued his good run.
On the penultimate day of last season, the 19-year-old scored his first competitive senior goal in a 2-1 win over Wolves.
Brentford held their own against the Premier League runners-up after equalizing twice through Shandon Baptiste and Bryan Mbuemo.
However, there was good news for Dutchman Van de Beek, who battled to find consistency in his first season.
Despite the presence of Tom Heaton and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the 24-year-old was granted the captaincy by Solskjaer after coming on as a second-half replacement.
Last season, Van de Beek made just four Premier League appearances, two of which came in the final four games of the season, when United had all but clinched second place behind Manchester City.
Only a year after joining in a £34 million transfer from Ajax, the former Ajax star has been linked with a move elsewhere.
He made his first appearance since withdrawing from Holland's Euro 2020 campaign against Brentford.
Van de Beek is expected to start United's next pre-season match against Preston North End on Saturday, according to Solskjaer.
Diogo Dalot, a Portuguese right-back, could possibly make an appearance.
Solskjaer has ruled out playing time for players who have had a long summer due to their participation in the Euros or Copa America.
That rules out Harry Maguire and Jadon Sancho making their debuts.
If his arrival is confirmed, Raphael Varane, who is going for a medical ahead of a £35 million move from Real Madrid, will not play.
After his side's 2-2 draw with Brentford, Solskjaer commented, "It could be too soon [for players who have not yet appeared in pre-season]."
“Perhaps one or two substitute appearances. We may start with Diogo and Donny. Let's see how the boys have fared since their return.
“Are we on the right track?” It's a difficult question to answer.
“The youngsters who have been here have been working extremely hard and improving, but it's difficult to judge how the players who have not yet returned are doing.
“When those players return, we'll work with them and get ready for the season to begin.”
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