Manchester United learning transfer lessons given Chelsea's Mason Mount stance and Taylor Booth pursuit

Manchester United and the transfer market has not been a happy marriage in recent times.

The major arrivals in the last decade who can be listed as an unqualified success can be counted on one hand. And a glance down the list of record signings shows how many United got wrong and the staggering sums of money wasted.

United have paid £50million plus for 12 players in the last nine years and you could make a case for one nailed-on smart piece of business - Bruno Fernandes - and two that are likely to be after superb opening seasons at Old Trafford - Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez.

Paul Pogba, Angel di Maria and Romelu Lukaku are the obvious eye-wateringly expensive errors while Antony, Jadon Sancho and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have yet to justify their outlays. You could argue United have got value for money from Harry Maguire, Anthony Martial and Fred simply by the length of time they've spent at Old Trafford but there are few who would concur splashing £180m or so on the trio was sound business.

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Erik ten Hag's arrival has raised hopes that United are beginning to get a grip on their recruitment. More specific and less scattergun.

Mason Mount represents a logical choice given his ability, Premier League experience, versatility and contract status. But, whereas in the past United have been a soft transfer touch, exposed too often to paying over the odds, this time around they have taken a step back after Chelsea rejected three sizeable offers - the last being £50million with a further £5million in add-ons.

It's a huge fee to spend on a player available for nothing in 12 months' time and represents selling clubs' perception of United as a