Donny van de Beek's role in Ronaldo goal hailed as Man Utd fans sent message

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hailed Donny van de Beek for his pivotal run in the build-up to Cristiano Ronaldo's dramatic equaliser against Atalanta.

Ronaldo produced the goods in the Champions League yet again as Manchester United came from behind twice to draw 2-2 in Italy on Tuesday night.

The Portuguese combined with compatriot Bruno Fernandes to haul United level at the end of the first half after Josip Ilicic's opener.

Duvan Zapata punished lax defending to restore the hosts' lead in the 56th minute, but Ronaldo's brilliant added-time volley earned the Red Devils an important point in Group F.

Van de Beek replaced Fernandes moments before the goal and his darting movement to the byline helped drag a stubborn Atalanta defence out of position.

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Donny van de Beek played a role in Cristiano Ronaldo's equaliser before testing Juan Musso

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The Dutchman collected the ball from Ronaldo and searched for Mason Greenwood a pull-back into the area. Although his pass travelled behind the Englishman, a frantic struggle on the edge of the box resulted in Greenwood setting up the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to hammer United level.

Solskjaer was delighted with Van de Beek's contributions, with the 24-year-old also testing Atalanta goalkeeper Juan Musso in the dying seconds.

"Donny provided the run for the last goal," said the United boss. "He keeps working and he's got qualities in there to unlock close defences and he almost scored as well."

Van de Beek's late cameo was just his fourth appearance of the season and his first in the Champions League since he was taken off at half-time in the defeat by Young Boys.

He arrived from Ajax in a £40million deal last year and there are widespread doubts over his place in Solskjaer's plans.

The Norwegian admits he is accused of "crime" every time he is forced to leave a talented member of his squad out of the starting XI, but insists Van de Beek and other fringe payers "have a big role to play".

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"I thought all of them who came on did well," added Solskjaer. "I come into crime every time I pick a team because players get left out. Tottenham went a different system, today still a different system with a back five."

Meanwhile, Van de Beek posted a message to United fans on social media which summed up the team's performance as well as his own attitude, writing: "Never give up."

The Red Devils host rivals Manchester City on Saturday before a trip to Watford after the international break.