When Manchester United sold Scott McTominay towards the end of the summer transfer window, the overwhelming feeling among everyone associated with the club was regret.
Erik ten Hag, who ultimately agreed that this was the best course of action, even acknowledged that he wished he did not have to do it but the £30m transfer boost was needed.
As McTominay departed, Manuel Ugarte arrived from PSG, with United pleased that they had got their man. In the weeks that followed, scrutiny of the decision began to ramp up.
Former Premier League striker Paolo di Canio even insisted that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos should be imprisoned for their hand in allowing McTominay to leave Old Trafford. READ MORE: United player ratings vs Fenerbahce READ MORE: Onana praises United teammates after Ten Hag confusion You see, while Ugarte was attempting to get up to speed having not been afforded a proper pre-season, McTominay was moving from strength to strength at Napoli and flourishing in a more advanced midfield role.