Manchester United have already learned from their Frenkie de Jong transfer mistake

Manchester United have come a long way in the few months Erik ten Hag has been in charge, both on the pitch and now it seems off it as well.

It's easy to forget now after such an enjoyable season in which United have ended their long trophy drought, could still win two more tournaments, have played some thrilling football and established themselves as a competitive force once again that the early summer optimism threatened to derail completely. Excitement was high following the early hiring of a young and talented coach in Ten Hag before last season had even ended but the transfer window did not get off to as hot a start.

Despite massive changes needed, United didn't sign their first player until July and even then it was a backup left-back in Tyrell Malacia. Not exactly the great revolution that was promised. Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez were eventually added before the season began. Although they have been fantastic signings, it was made clear they weren't enough after opening defeats to Brighton and Brentford.

Also read: Signing Kane would be a coup with caveats for United

The going was so slow because United, in backing their manager, had put all their eggs into one basket to sign Frenkie de Jong. The club can't be blamed for going all out on the player Ten Hag deemed the most crucial addition and the Dutchman's thinking was sound. United's midfield lacked technical excellence and reliable distribution, two things De Jong would bring in spades to help implement the football Ten Hag wants to play.

United eventually agreed a fee with Barcelona and CEO Richard Arnold told supporters how hard he was working to sign him: "The manager wants him (De Jong) and they have actually done the work. He's a great