Manchester United's worrying striker transfer approach might have just paid off

Good things come to those who wait every now and then and it might just be a now and then for Manchester United - even if their waiting wasn't exactly by design.

United went into the summer transfer window with their plans all laid out. A new striker was the most important addition and would be pursued from the moment a crack appeared at the bottom of the window.

Targets were set excitingly high. Harry Kane was outlined as Erik ten Hag's top target and no wonder. The England captain has netted at least 20 goals in his last nine seasons and reached 30 on four of those occasions. United have not had that guaranteed source of goals for a decade.

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But just as fans were allowed to dream of how United would look with the best Premier League striker over the last decade in their ranks, they were woken by the harshest alarm clock. It became evident that Tottenham would not allow their talisman to leave even if it meant losing him for nothing in 12 months' time.

The plan was abandoned and though United had prepared for that eventuality with a healthy shortlist, other positions soon took prominence. Ten Hag wanted to further improve his midfield options after a lack of quality in depth became costly last season.

Personal terms were agreed with Mason Mount in short order as he wanted to leave Chelsea after reaching an impasse in contract negotiations. United had similar struggles in reaching an agreement with the London club and it took them four bids to finally get their man.

A striker didn't become the priority again afterwards as