The nine-point plan for Manchester United’s new transfer criteria

Of the 16 players Manchester United have signed under Erik ten Hag, eight have played in the Netherlands and two have switched to the same agency that represents Ten Hag to coincide with their transfer.

Sofyan Amrabat is now a client of SEG International, who claimed the credit for his €10million season-long loan with the option to make it permanent for €25m. Separate intermediaries acted on behalf of United to negotiate that deal.

Time will tell if Amrabat is a worthy addition. He is familiar to Ten Hag and his stock has risen after a terrific World Cup. The last time United recruited swiftly on the back of a World Cup to scour the loan market they got Wout Weghorst.

Ten Hag's recruitment hit rate now looks iffy and United continue to cut corners. Mason Mount had entered the last year of his contract, Rasmus Hojlund was a compromise and half of the arrivals during Ten Hag's time have been on loan amid financial fair play and profitability and sustainability rules to adhere to. Having owners who literally invest in the club would have limited the loans.

Also read: Ten Hag introduces new rule change at Carrington

And yet for all the finger-pointing at the Glazers, United have committed to spending £406million over a 12-month period. They have the highest net spend out of any club in the world over the last decade and the CIES Observatory listed United's squad as the most expensive.

If there is a club where it can suddenly spiral, it is United. But the profile of many of their 16 signings for Ten Hag suggests they recruit for the manager, rather than the club.

Separate to ongoing investigations in Brazil and by the Greater Manchester Police, Antony was a dubious signing. United invested €100m in a 22-year-old who had two