After a torrid debut campaign, you would not blame Donny van de Beek for wanting to start afresh.
The Dutchman's £40million arrival from Ajax last summer left Manchester United fans salivating over the prospect of Van de Beek - one of Europe's most coveted talents - linking up with talisman Bruno Fernandes.
However, just 15 starts from 61 games paints a dismal picture for the 24-year-old, with fans more accustomed to seeing the midfielder cutting a dejected figure on the bench, rather than playing on the Old Trafford turf.
Donny van de Beek endured a nightmare debut campaign at Manchester United last term
In an age where footballers are expected to hit the ground running, Van de Beek can take solace in the fact that a handful of Premier League newbies have struggled to get going in England, with the likes of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Thiago all encountering difficulties after big-money moves.
But make no mistake, it has not been the start Van de Beek had hoped for, and perennial rejections from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer became too much for his adviser, Sjaak Swart, who launched a scathing attack on those overlooking the Dutchman.
'A substitute? I don't like it at all. I couldn't do it myself, substituting in with four minutes left to play. Then you'd better let me sit down,' he said.
The Dutchman made just 15 starts, leading to his adviser slamming Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Patrice Evra told the agent to 'shut his mouth', claiming United 'do not need' the midfielder
Those comments saw United legend Patrice Evra hit back, live on Sky Sports. The Frenchman gave his own advice to the adviser, namely, to 'shut his mouth', before claiming United 'do not need' the Dutchman.
Mark Hughes also suggested that Van de Beek looked 'lost' during his rare appearances for the Red Devils.
For Edwin van der Sar, the former Ajax star's predicament was a 'sad' state of affairs.
'Of course I feel sad for Donny,' the former United goalkeeper told ESPN.
'He walked the perfect path before joining United. He joined the [Ajax] first team from the academy, became a starter, won trophies, performed in Europe.
'But the midfield of Manchester United is too stacked, they've not had any injuries. It's hard for him.'
Van der Sar's reflection is a fair analysis, with the likes of Fernandes, Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay, Fred and Nemanja Matic all ahead of Van de Beek in the pecking order.
Moreover, Van de Beek's tactical flexibility - in which he can play in a deep lying midfield role, attacking midfield and on the left - has left Solskjaer unsure as to which position suits the Dutchman best.
However, the tide is showing signs of turning for the 24-year-old.
Van de Beek has struggled to force his way into the XI with United boasting a packed midfield
However, the tide is showing signs of turning for the Dutchman ahead of the new campaign
As reported by Sportsmail earlier this week, United are under pressure to sell Pogba this summer, with agent Mino Raiola holding talks with Paris Saint-Germain on the Frenchman's behalf.
The 28-year-old has one year left on his £290,000-per-week deal, and has not given any indication of an intention to stick around at Old Trafford.
United have six weeks to decide whether to keep Pogba for the 2021-22 campaign and thereby risk losing him on a free next summer, or cash in on the
