For Donny van de Beek the expectation and the reality of English football and life at Manchester United could not have been further apart.
His performances at the Johan Cruyff Arena convinced the Red Devils to part with £40m to acquire his services from Ajax. The question now, over 18 months on, is just whose signed off on that deal. A debut goal against Crystal Palace did little to further his case.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had recruited Bruno Fernandes just six months earlier and the Portuguese star had become the club's talisman in the No 10 role. Van de Beek showed his versatility in Holland, but arguably his best position was taken by United's go to man.
