Sir Alex Ferguson's post-match hospitality became the stuff of legend during his 27 years in charge at Manchester United.
19.07.2023 - 18:23 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Midfielder Donny van de Beek admitted that he had been relishing his return for 'months' after scoring the winner in Manchester United's 1-0 win over Lyon at Murrayfield Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
After missing last week's pre-season opener against Leeds United in Oslo, Van de Beek stepped off the bench at half-time in Edinburgh and lashed home the winner just four minutes after the restart. He connected with Dan Gore's brilliant cross to smash home an exquisite right-footed volley.
It was the perfect way for him to return from a six-month injury lay-off, having been sidelined since suffering a serious knee injury back in January. The Dutchman was forced off in United's 3-0 win over Bournemouth on January 3 after his leg buckled under a challenge from Marcos Senesi.
Though his match-winning strike was the main talking point from a dominant United performance in Edinburgh, the feeling of being back out on the pitch after so long on the sidelines meant much more to Van de Beek.
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Van de Beek, reflecting on making his long-awaited return, told MUTV: "It was great. It was my first game after six months and I don't have to tell you [how much it meant].
"It has been a difficult period for me and my family. To be back on the pitch, it was great.
"Of course, it is nice if you score a goal as well, but that was not the most important thing; that is an extra thing. It is amazing.
"I had been looking forward to this moment for months. I know it was just a friendly game but, for me, it was a big moment."
Van de Beek, who joined United almost
Sir Alex Ferguson's post-match hospitality became the stuff of legend during his 27 years in charge at Manchester United.
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Here are your Manchester United morning headlines for Wednesday, July 19.
Manchester United have embarked on a packed pre-season schedule - with a relentless tour itinerary having previously been cited as a reason behind poor starts to the Premier League campaign.