Manchester United fans are facing possible uncomfortable truth in transfer window amid Onana and Hojlund pursuits

Manchester United made a splash in the transfer market last summer, spending a total of £229m including add-ons, which was the most invested in a single window in the club’s history.

Erik ten Hag spent four-and-half years with Ajax and he spent around £170m during his entire reign in Amsterdam. His most expensive signing in that period was Sebastien Haller for under £20m and he was regularly asked to turn water into wine.

The job description at Old Trafford is different. The champagne was out last summer and he spent freely, bringing in Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro and Antony, mostly players he knew, on permanent deals.

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 MORE: United youngster James Nolan trains with first-team

There was an obvious element of risk in signing players with Eredivisie pedigree, but Ten Hag would argue it would have been riskier for him to splurge millions on players who were not guaranteed to have the required talent or personality.

Coming from Ajax where finances were limited, Ten Hag was aware of the financial backing that was available last year and the importance of the budget not being wasted. He was happy with the club's business when the window shut.

Although Frenkie de Jong was the one that got away, the world-class Casemiro was actually a better alternative at that time, as the midfield needed to be tightened up following opening defeats against Brighton and Brentford.

De Jong would have provided craft and guile, but the team needed what Casemiro brought; physicality, leadership and experience. Ten Hag subsequently enjoyed a successful first year and his