Manchester United continued their good record in pre-season with a 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace as Erik ten Hag learns more about his side.
Anthony Martial continued his rich vein of form when by opening the scoring, firing home a fierce volley from close range following a well-worked move by the Red Devil, with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho rounding off a solid performance. Martial has certainly staked his claim as to why he should remain in Ten Hag’s plans next season with three goals in three games, despite a permanent departure looking likely earlier this summer.
But Martial isn’t the only player on the fringes of the squad hoping to showcase why he should remain at the club next season. Mirror Sport takes a look at the two other stars that were given the opportunity to impress, Donny van de Beek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka…
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Up against his former club, Wan-Bissaka was gifted 24 minutes to make his mark, and he struggled to do so. The right-back has been linked with a return to the Eagles this summer, with Roma also reportedly registering their interest in the defender.
Dalot assist
Diogo Dalot impressed in the first half for United, and the opening goal showcased just how effective the Portugal international can be in the final first. The 23-year-old broke three at the edge of the penalty area before beating his man and clipping an inch-perfect cross to the back post with his unfavoured left foot, and Martial converted. Attacking ability is what Wan-Bissaka has eye-catchingly lacked since arriving at Old Trafford, and Dalot’s assist will certainly have counted against him.
Lack of impact
Compared to Dalot, Wan-Bissaka made very little impact overall. The 24-year-old showed no true desire to influence the attack and although he pushed on, simply filled space whilst the likes of Anthony Elanga and Amad Diallo attempted to create openings out wide. The former Eagles' star's lack of confidence was also apparent defensively, failing to engage with Palace forwards on several occasions and allowing a cross to come into the box.
Donny van de Beek
The arrival of Ten Hag is make or break for Van de Beek after his struggles under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick. The Netherlands international is set to face increased competition in the centre of the park next season with incomings expected, though his second-half performance showed why he was signed back in 2020.
Instant impact
The 25-year-old registered an assist just minutes after entering the fray, showing great composure to tee the ball back to Marcus Rashford to fire home from close range. Van de Beek made the run to the by-line as the counter-attack opened up, and his cool head in front of goal certainly will have caught the eye given that he could have attempted to steal the limelight and have a shot.
Desire to attack
Van de Beek's willingness to get forward and make his presence felt in the final third is an attribute that plenty of his midfield team-mates lack. The likes of Fred and Scott McTominay have influenced the attack previously, but their skillsets are certainly more suited to holding roles, especially compared to Van de Beek who wants to link up with his forwards and contribute directly to attacks. Ten Hag may just be what the playmaker needed in order to make it in the Premier League.
Alex Telles
New role
United now have three left-backs on the books following the arrival of Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord – and that ignores the fact that new signing Lisandro Martinez can play the role too. Therefore, Ten Hag has gifted the Brazilian the chance to prove why he should stay by playing him in central defence. Telles looked comfortable in the role and could be suited to a back three that can make use of his willingness to attack, potentially more so than in a back four, like he played in on Tuesday - though a red card to his defensive partner Will Fish late on meant that Telles did have a tough task on his hands.
