Watch: Donny van de Beek sets up chance for Mata with beautiful flick

Donny van de Beek was given a rare start during Manchester United‘s FA Cup tie against Watford and nearly registered a brilliant assist. 

Since joining United from Ajax in a £37million deal last summer, the Netherlands international has found first-team opportunities hard to come by, starting just two Premier League games.

Ole Gunnar Solsksjaer made eight changes from the side that lost 2-0 against Manchester City, with Van de Beek partnering Scott McTominay in midfield.

The Red Devils took an early lead through McTominay’s header and Juan Mata nearly made it 2-0 after some great work from Van de Beek.

After getting the ball from Mason Greenwood, the 23-year-old set up Mata with a clever flick but his effort was saved by the goalkeeper.

Donny van de Beek pulling the strings in this move 🤩

What a goal this could have been…#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/juuDVe5KPw

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) January 9, 2021

🇳🇱🧠

via @EmiratesFACuppic.twitter.com/QhIYpM9j3h

— utdreport (@utdreport) January 9, 2021

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