Donny van de Beek has defended Manchester United captain Harry Maguire after the centre-back was booed during a friendly against Crystal Palace.
Man Utd beat Patrick Vieira’s side 3-1 in their last friendly in Australia on Tuesday.
Anthony Martial opened the scoring before Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho sealed the win in the second half.
Transfer gossip: Atletico Madrid move Ronaldo as Man Utd target opts for OM
There was a Joel Ward consolation and a late red card for Man Utd the young Will Fish, but the main topic of discussion in Melbourne was the mockery that met all Maguire touch at the start of the match.
The 29-year-old appeared to win over the fans with an impressive performance and the boos died down, with team-mate Van de Beek impressed with how the skipper bounced back.
“I also heard,” the Dutch international told the PA News Agency. “I didn’t really know what happened.
“But I think if I saw the game today, I think Harry was playing very well.
“He was aggressive, he had so many balls which means he has a great personality.
“He has a lot of experience, so I think it’s positive what he (showed), his performance today.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool reportedly ‘inquire about signing’ Manchester United target Antony this summer when he “figures high” on their list of targets.
The Ajax star played under Erik ten Hag for the Eredivisie side. He shone last season, registering eight goals and four assists in 23 league appearances.
Ten Hag left Ajax to take over at Man Utd. The manager is keen to take Antony with him to Manchester.
It has been claimed that Ajax value him at £68million, with his contract not expiring until 2025. This asking price makes United’s pursuit of him ‘problematic’.
Football Insider report that Liverpool have “made an approach” to sign Antony this summer.
The Reds have reportedly ‘made contact’ with Ajax over a summer move for the striker.
Antony is said to be ‘high on their list of attacking targets’. They claim Ajax are in fact asking for £59million.
The report notes that Liverpool ‘shouldn’t pay this’. They have already paid an initial fee of £68m to sign Darwin Nunez this summer.
