Victor Osimhen obstacle and more - how Manchester United are preparing for the transfer window

The first player to possibly become aware of Erik ten Hag's authority at Manchester United is someone who might never play for the club.

Pau Torres, tracked by United for at least two years, was recommended by the scouting department as the prime left-footed centre-back to sign. Erik ten Hag demurred and made the case for Lisandro Martinez.

United's power brokers sided with the manager over the overruled recruitment staff. Martinez has proven to be one of the signings of the season and the best of Ten Hag's five permanent additions.

Also read: Ten Hag wants a world-class midfielder and striker

A photograph of a Torres doppelganger in Manchester circulated last June that even his representatives admitted bore an uncanny resemblance. For two summers running, Torres has been overlooked by United in favour of another centre half. If it is any consolation, United could be in the market for a new central defender and Torres's Villarreal contract expires next year.

Ten Hag did not always have it his way. As Ajax dug in their heels over Antony, Ten Hag suggested the Brazilian's predecessor, Hakim Ziyech. Ten Hag had coached Ziyech in Amsterdam before he joined Chelsea for €44million.

That was not a completely compelling case for United, who did their own due diligence and received unflattering feedback on Ziyech that questioned his effort. So they passed.

United draw up a shortlist of five targets per position and Ten Hag decides who to prioritise. Last summer, the theme was Dutch-centric and sceptics queried whether United's structure had truly evolved as they approached players developed in the Netherlands.

Provided the chilly fingers of the Europa League do not pull United out of the top four, this summer is likely to be