When Donny van de Beek signed for Manchester United from Ajax last September, Red Devils fans would never have believed how little action the 24-year-old would see in the next 15 months under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Despite arriving at the Theatre of Dreams with a reputation as one of the brightest midfield talents in Europe, Van de Beek has barely kicked a ball in anger for United, clocking up just four Premier League starts in his time with the club.
With Fred and Scott McTominay - Solskjaer's preferred combination in the centre of the park - hardly setting the world on fire in recent weeks, calls have been growing among the United support for Van de Beek to be given a run in the side.
Van de Beek has become a firm favourite with Manchester United fans
Although starved of opportunity throughout his time at the club, Van de Beek has remained the model professional, even emerging on to the Old Trafford pitch after United's 5-0 humbling at the hands of Liverpool last month to train alone.
Premier League 2021/22: Fixtures, Results, Odds, Ball, Tickets And Everything You Need To Know
Efforts such as this have seen fans take Van de Beek to their hearts regardless of his difficult first year at the club.
When the player was brought on for a rare top-flight appearance ten minutes from time in their home game against Manchester City on Saturday, the crowd rose to its feet to show their appreciation for the underutilised Van de Beek.
On a day when they didn't have much to cheer after a toothless performance in their side's 2-0 defeat to City, United fans erupted with applause at the sight of Van de Beek on the touchline. As he came on to replace Fred, supporters loudly sang his name - sending a message to Solskjaer that they want to see a lot more of the Dutch playmaker.
You can check out the reaction to Van de Beek's introduction below.
Watch: Manchester United supporters give Van de Beek a huge reaction after coming on as a substitute vs Manchester City
Van de Beek's situation is not a unique one. Jadon Sancho - a summer recruit from Borussia Dortmund - also finds himself on the outside looking in at Old Trafford after a big-money switch.
With that said, it remains a mystery why Solskjaer doesn't seem willing to hand more playing time to a man who was sensational for Ajax during his time in the Eredivisie - especially after the club parted with more than £35 million for his services.
On the whole, United's fanbase has been fiercely loyal to Solskjaer during the team's recent slump. The message from the Old Trafford faithful, though, is unmistakable. They want Van de Beek to receive a fair crack at establishing himself in the first-team - and are rapidly growing tired of waiting for it.
Man Utd 0-2 Man City Match Reaction (Football Terrace)
Premier League managers quiz: Can you name these coaches who were gone in an instant?