Manchester United are at least doing something right in their hunt for a new striker

Manchester United's struggles this season weren't helped by the successes of both Manchester City and Liverpool, nor have their summer transfer plans been helped by the early activity orchestrated by both clubs either.

United sources have reiterated a need for patience amid the outcry for new arrivals from fans online. It is easy to forget the transfer window has only actually been open for four days.

It might be a while yet before United unveil their first signing, but work is underway to make that happen, with United understandably taking extra precautions to ensure any new recruit enhances them both on and off the pitch.

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But it is only natural that United are being compared with two of the standard-setters in world football, both of whom have added extra firepower to their attacks this week, by each signing a forward they wanted themselves.

United attempted to sign Erling Haaland for €20m from Red Bull Salzburg when Ralf Rangnick was their sporting director in December 2019 but the Norwegian rejected them to join Dortmund.

They were also interested in Darwin Nunez ahead of his anticipated move to Liverpool, but club sources warned they would not get drawn into a bidding war for the Uruguayan, while the forward made it clear he wanted to play in the Champions League next season.

The two transfers have hammered home how big a task Erik ten Hag has on his hands to convince players to move to Old Trafford this summer, and despite their huge global appeal, United remain far less of a enticing football project than their two greatest rivals.

Another issue which has been highlighted for United, though, is their need for a