The quadruple substitution that Fulham made in the closing stages of their FA Cup capitulation at Old Trafford on Sunday was notable for Manchester United, beyond it being the desperate last throw of the dice for their opponents.
Two of the players involved, one going off and one coming on, were the only first-team players sold by United in the previous two seasons. They were footnotes to this chaotic afternoon, but also examples of what the club should be doing more often.
There was a sense United did well to bank a potential £10million for Andreas Pereira in the summer, but the midfielder has been one of Fulham's best players this season. His value has rocketed, but there are no regrets at Old Trafford. He has impressed because he has taken a step back. United got what they could for him.
READ MORE: Harry Maguire could give United a new transfer priority
A year previously they had brought in £25million from Leeds United for Daniel James. This was a rare example of the club selling a player for a profit. It was a wise move. James has struggled at Elland Road and his loan spell at Fulham is proving to be pretty unfulfilling. The sale looks increasingly like brilliant business for United.
That's not a phrase you write down very often. As good as a deal as it was, the more telling aspect of this story is that that duo are the only players sold for any kind of fee in the last two windows. It's an area where United have been consistently weak.
They splashed the cash this summer, backing Erik ten Hag to the tune of £225million, but offset that spending spree with just that Pereira deal and a £1.5million fee from Birmingham City for academy graduate Tahith Chong. It helps to explain why United are navigating choppy waters
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk
manchestereveningnews.co.uk