Last season, it took just two matches for Manchester United to realise they needed to sign another midfielder. This season, they've come to the same realisation again.
Erik ten Hag has known all summer that his side was in need of at least two new faces in the middle of the park, and after scraping past Wolves and losing to Tottenham, those needs have only been exasperated.
The harsh reality is that United have already missed out on the best options. Jude Bellingham was a 'dream' target but never a realistic one, while Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice were both well out of budget.
United went early with a move for Mason Mount and Ten Hag's reputation is on the line after spending so much on a player who would have been available on a free at the end of the season. Want to join our MUFC Pro club for a totally ad-free version of the MEN's Man United app packed with premium features? Click here. READ NEXT: United agree to sell Noam Emeran A year on, United are considering a late move for Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch and there is also prolonged interest in Fiorentina ace Sofyan Amrabat.