When Ajax made it to the Champions League semi-final in the 2018/19 season, there was an array of young stars exceeding expectations, playing fluid and dynamic football and representing the Dutch giants like Johan Cruyff envisaged.
Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong, Hakim Ziyech and Donny van de Beek were among those inspiring their stellar performances as Ajax brushed aside Real Madrid and Juventus in the knockout rounds of the competition, with Tottenham awaiting in the semi-final.
Although reaching the final of the Champions League would ultimately prove a step too far - they were only defeated by a late dramatic Lucas Moura goal at the Amsterdam Arena - for that fearless Ajax side, each player's reputation was enhanced and they won admirers from around Europe for the manner in which they dared to play.
Ajax's best-kept secrets were now on the international stage, though, and eventually, the aforementioned players joined Juventus, Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester United respectively - the signing of Van de Beek for just £40m was regarded as a coup.
Van de Beek had thrived in the No.10 role for Ajax, delivering multiple wonderful displays across his time there and after it was announced he had agreed on terms to join United, supporters were thrilled at the prospect of the midfielder playing at Old Trafford.
One year after Van de Beek's transfer to United was made official, though, and his dream move is gradually turning into a nightmare.
Bruno Fernandes is an inevitable starter for United in Van de Beek's preferred No.10 role and, when considering that, it's more than understandable that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has not played him there, however, in pre-season the Dutchman has taken time to reflect and he's subsequently returned stronger, looking ready for a run of games in the double pivot.
Although Van de Beek's opportunity to prove his value in that position was cut short by Aaron Wan-Bissaka's red card in the Champions League, with Solskjaer making a tactical change at his expense, he showed glimpses of what he's been working on.
Despite the defeat against West Ham in the Carabao Cup, Van de Beek demonstrated a tenacity and physicality in his game that was far from his trademark at Ajax and United supporters unanimously agreed that he was the standout performer on the night.
With doubts surrounding Nemanja Matic and Fred, surely Van de Beek, after that display, would start against Aston Villa? He didn't.
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Instead, Van de Beek watched on from the bench as United slumped to a 1-0 defeat on Saturday and Fred was once again not at his best, often wasteful and possession and unable to control the centre of the pitch, where games are ultimately won and lost.
Fred does not deserve to be United's scapegoat, but his recent performances have been below par and surely now is the time to use Van de Beek alongside Scott McTominay - United's clash against Villarreal in the Champions League is the ideal opportunity.
In the circumstances, Van de Beek must feel he deserves to start and, if he doesn't, Solskjaer's decision could have huge ramifications.
Van de Beek might reevaluate his future if he doesn't play against Villarreal, but only time will reveal what his intentions are.
