Donny van de Beek's agent made it clear that his client wasn't to be used as a squad player in the cup competitions this season - but that's exactly what has happened.
The Dutchman struggled for opportunities during his first season following a £40m move from Ajax.
Van de Beek was hoping to challenge United's talisman Bruno Fernandes but instead found himself as a regular on the bench.
A summer move to Everton was discussed as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer added the likes of Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo.
United stepped in and were adamant the 24-year-old would not be leaving Old Trafford despite their depth of talent.
Guido Albers, though, insisted that Van de Beek was not staying put to simply play a squad role and wanted Premier League minutes.
He said: "The perspective now is that we stated that Donny is not a Carabao Cup player, or FA Cup player, or to play only in European games.
"Donny went to England to play in the Premier League."
Despite his wishes Van de Beek has been handed just one substitute league appearance which afforded him five minutes against Newcastle.
Thus far, his only two starts have come in the Carabao Cap defeat to West Ham and the shock Young Boys loss in Europe.
It confirms Albers' worst fears as Van de Beek's frustration in midweek was evident when he was again overlooked.
Solskjaer insists he understands the player's frustration but denied that he had been frozen out.
"I understand the frustration, of course, every player is keen to play," said the Norwegian.
"It's not just Donny, it's all of the players. I've got a squad of internationals and if we're going to be successful together we know we need positive energy, we can't have energy-sappers or sulkers.
"But Donny has never affected his team mates negatively, just so that's said."
Does Donny van de Beek deserve more minutes? Have your say in the comments section below.
He added: "He knows he's not frozen out, It's Manchester United. When you're a headline player and you're not playing, it's always going to make headlines, but I've got plenty of them every week who don't play.
"I don't have any issues with Donny at all. He knows what he needs to work on and he is diligent in his work. He's never let his mood affect his team-mates negatively."
Van de Beek finds himself battling for minutes with the likes of Paul Pogba, Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial and Edinson Cavani.
That is before Marcus Rashford returns from injury.
