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Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek was handed the captain's armband by Nemanja Matic during the club's pre-season clash against Brentford on Wednesday night in a wholesome moment.
The 24-year-old midfielder, who joined United from Ajax last summer for a reported £35 million, has struggled to make an impact under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in his first season at Old Trafford.
In fact, the Dutch international has made just four Premier League starts since penning a five-year deal with the Reds, despite making an impact in a number of games when being introduced from the bench.
Solskjaer has used Van de Beek sparingly since his arrival - a fact that has disappointed many supporters - but a moment during their 2-2 draw against newly-promoted Brentford was met with an incredible amount of support.
In the 75th minute of the pre-season clash at Old Trafford, a proud Van de Beek was given the captain's armband by experienced midfielder Nemanja Matic, who shared a few words with the player before handing over responsibility.
As you can see in the footage below, the midfielder rallied his young teammates as he entered the field of play - clapping and urging them to keep up the tempo. After his lack of minutes last season, this is great to see.
Captain Donny van de Beek pic.twitter.com/wJ1c99PMFf
- Hedonist (@The_Hedonist_6) July 28, 2021
After the game at Old Trafford, Manchester United's official Instagram account expressed their delight at the return of Van de Beek, saying: "Good to see you back on the pitch, Donny."
It didn't take long for club captain Harry Maguire to make a comment about his teammate wearing the armband.
"Don't stretch that armband, @donnyvdbeek." he said before including a cheeky eyes emoji.
Harry Maguire on Donny van de Beek wearing the captain's armband :joy: #MUFC pic.twitter.com/HHeL8SzpbL
- MUFC Scoop (@MUFCScoop) July 28, 2021
Fans were delighted to see Van de Beek lead his team during the final 15 minutes of play.
Donny van de Beek comes on for the final 15 minutes of the game and receives the captain's armband. pic.twitter.com/hzglN0rzMi
- :gem: (@TheEuropeanLad) July 28, 2021
Being my favorite Man United player, I don't even know how to react seeing Donny van de Beek captain my club. :sob::sob:
- UtdFaithfuls (@UtdFaithfuls) July 28, 2021
It's Donny time! pic.twitter.com/t6K79UrpJf
Donny Van de Beek is the CAPTAIN
- Atanu (@atanu_74) July 28, 2021
LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOO
Captain Van De Beek was so excited to play that he didn't realize that his captain armband was upside down... :heart: pic.twitter.com/cawvHBRPUE
- AZR (@AzrOrganization) July 28, 2021
Donny Van de Beek is the captain of Manchester United for the last 15 minutes. LOVE IT :sob:
- Jazzy (@UtdJazzy) July 28, 2021
Donny Van De Beek Captain. Absolute tears in my eyes :sob:
- Pako:flag_za::star::star::star: (@Pkay_Utd) July 28, 2021
Do you think Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should give Van de Beek more minutes in the coming months?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: MUTV
Topics: Donny van de Beek, Manchester United, Brentford, Premier League