Donny van de Beek faced the media after United's comprehensive 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at the MCG. The Dutch international made his first ever trip to Australia and he loved the environment in front of 76,499 people.

"It's my first time in Melbourne, for me personally it was great to see," van de Beek said. "There aren't as many fans in the Netherlands as there was here but it was so great."

Having first played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax, van de Beek knows what he is like and sees signs of his influence at United but admitted there was still some ways to go before they hit their stride.

"Erik is still the same, he will not change as a manager," van de Beek added. "I see a lot of similarities as Ajax but I think he will help the team a lot.

"I hope it's soon as possible but it's on the players. Good manager is important but it's on the players, we're working hard every day, sometimes twice a day. I think we are making steps, we're not there yet. There's a lot of space for improvement, but I think you could see the difference but there's still some big steps we need to make."

While they're several thousand miles away from their home, the jeers from some of the supporters seemed to follow United's captain Harry Maguire. van de Beek didn't seemed worried for his teammate and suggested he has the head strength to carry on.

"I can only say that I think he was really good tonight. He had a big performance, but the boos only show that he has a big personality but it's a good experience."

United named a strong squad but will be strengthened by the inclusions of Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Cristiano Ronaldo. One of their new signings Tyrell Malacia was on show despite limited minutes in their exhibition games.

"Malacia did well, he seemed a bit tired but I would be the same. The first goal he had a good switch to the other side. I know his quality, and I know what he can do so I believe in him."