Manchester United pretty much handed the key for their transfer deals to Erik ten Hag when he was appointed to the Old Trafford dugout in 2022.
While the Dutchman was unequivocally backed in that regard, even he might have done things differently had other factors not been at play.
The clamour for Eredivisie-honed players defines the Ten Hag reign so far. Playing in the Netherlands remains a far cry from what players are fronted by when they touch down in the Premier League and some, quite simply, do not have the capacity to bridge that gap and take their game to the next level it requires.
Fit-again Lisandro Martinez broke the mould for United last season, while Christian Eriksen, already accustomed to the unparalleled rigours from his Tottenham days, proved to be a shrewd addition on a free transfer despite one or two question marks over his form this campaign. ALSO READ: United transfer decision is bad news for Antony ALSO READ: United to appoint Berrada from City as new CEO Tyrell Malacia remains a work in progress.