In an ideal world, Manchester United would have cashed in on Harry Maguire and Anthony Martial this summer to part-fund their ongoing recruitment drive.
However, amid countless early-season problems they have encountered, the club might now have to rely on two previously unwanted players.
The writing had looked to have been on the wall for Maguire and Martial for some time last season. Maguire had the armband snatched away from him this summer - with Bruno Fernandes succeeding him as captain - while Martial could only watch on as his manager spent £73million on a replacement in attacking quarters.
Both players were made available for transfer this summer, but Maguire turned down his proposed move to West Ham after United had accepted an offer worth £30million for the defender.