Among the many accusations thrown at Manchester United this summer, one stated that the club no longer has the pulling power it once had.
Critics highlighted their inability to quickly wrap up a deal for Frenkie de Jong, who in the past may have not thought twice about relocating to Old Trafford. The arrivals of Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen went down well with supporters, but none were considered marquee.
Some pointed to the De Jong frustrations and Darwin Nunez’s snub for Liverpool as examples that after five trophyless years, United could not command the market as they previously did.