Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona gives Manchester United chance of wildcard transfer

They say never go back but sometimes the opportunity is so tantalising, either to relive past glories or, in the case of Memphis Depay, to prove a point. To seek redemption.

Although things have finally started to pick up the pace this past week with the signings of Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez, it's been a trademark slow summer on the whole for Manchester United. Negotiations have been glacial at times and it's still touch-and-go whether Erik ten Hag will get all the additions to the squad that he wants.

The deal for Frenkie de Jong rumbles on with no end in sight as it's clear he would rather not leave Barcelona if he had it his way, and things are now at an impasse as he holds out for the deferred wages he's owed from the club. It remains to be seen how much longer negotiations will draw out for before a deal is done, or whether United walk away. If there isn't a breakthrough in either direction soon, though, United may risk not getting the metronome Ten Hag needs in his midfield.

In the meantime, it's all gone quiet on the attacking front. United already needed at least one versatile attacker in through the door and that was before Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his desire to leave. If gets his wish, United will be severely short on options in forward areas.

Another Ajax star in Antony had been earmarked as a possible solution but Ajax's lofty asking price looks to have made that unfeasible for now and no other options have presented themselves. Until now.

Despite not paying the players they already have and remaining in some financial strife, Barcelona have somehow reached an agreement to sign Robert Lewandowski. The lethal striker has got his dream move after making it clear he wants out of Bayern Munich