Donny van de Beek says team spirit is key for Manchester United this season.

The midfielder says it's clear the players are closer on and off the pitch this term.

He told the club's website: "Yeah, I think for not only the coach, but for everyone, it's really important. We have to do it as a team. Everyone is trying to be close to each other, to be a team. I think the Liverpool game was a good example of a team result.

"I think we can even play much better, but we played a good game and we did it as a team. This is the way we have to do it this season."

Of his own form, Van de Beek adds: "Everyone wants to play, but you have to show it and you need to improve yourself every day to be in the first XI. A club like United needs many options and needs a big squad to play and to have a good season.

"I switch sometimes – sometimes I play in the '10', sometimes in the '8', in Ajax sometimes I play in the '6', so I can play in different positions. There's been some great defending, in particular, from back to front."