DONNY VAN DE BEEK found himself in the middle of an awkward moment as he prepared to come on against Newcastle last night.
The Manchester United midfielder is not used to being an impact substitute – as proved by the strange encounter.
Fourth official Oliver Langford put his arm across van de Beek as he prepared to come on for Daniel James in the 76th minute.
A note in the referee’s hand caught the player’s eye and he awkwardly motioned to collect it, momentarily believing it was for him.
Van de Beek quickly cottoned on that he was simply being told to wait before entering the field of play.
MAN UTD NEWS LIVE: Click here for the latest United news
After the ex-Ajax star’s introduction, United turned a disappointing draw into an emphatic 4-1 win.
Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes combined for the Portuguese playmaker to slot home moments after the substitution.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Rashford then notched in stoppage-time to guarantee the points.
As a £40million signing, many expected van de Beek to be given a sizeable role in this United team.
Yet, despite his side’s struggles, he has been forced to settle for sub appearances in all four of their Premier League games.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer accepts that van de Beek has made a strong case for more game time and expects that to arrive soon.
The United boss said after the game: “He’ll get his game time. He’s been fantastic in the group.
“I think you see today and in training, he’s so neat and tidy, I don’t think he lost the ball once.
“It’s about finding the balance in the team. We’ve won 4-1 today and you’re asking why I didn’t start one of the players.
“He’ll have a very good impact on the team.”
