You could tell on Wednesday night that Donny van de Beek is wondering what he needs to do to get back on a football pitch regularly.
Having featured in just 39 matches, across all competitions, since joining from Ajax, there must now be real questions over why the midfielder fails to feature so often.
It could be time to face up what appears clear at this point – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer doesn’t trust Van de Beek like he does others.
While the Reds were drawing 1-1 against Villarreal in the Champions League, Solskjaer opted to bring on five substitutes and not Van de Beek, and the midfielder was spotted on the bench fuming about being snubbed.
Solskjaer was asked about Van de Beek’s mood swing the other night and made his stance very clear, saying (via Manchester Evening News): “You know, I manage a squad full of international footballers, competitive footballers who want to make a difference, who want to play. They all want to be on the pitch, of course they do.
“Donny was ready to come on, as all players should be. I’ve been a sub more than anyone in this club probably – I must have a record appearance as a sub – and you have to be ready all the time. I’ve been not very happy a few times but that is the decision the manager makes.
“Alex was coming off as a left-back and Fred did that job well. So I understand the frustration, of course, every player is keen to play, that’s got to be built into energy and determination for when you get on and show me.
“It’s not just Donny, it’s players, I’ve got a squad of internationals and if we’re going to be successful we need positive energy, no sulkers.
“Donny has never affected his teammates negatively. As soon as I see players affecting the team negatively then that’s a different scenario and I’ll probably be firmer.”
For the player’s sake, if he doesn’t get enough games between now and Christmas, you’d think a move in January would be on the cards.
Let us know in the comments if you think Solskjaer should find Van de Beek a place in the side?