Of an otherwise brilliant first transfer window under Erik ten Hag, Manchester United's only major blemish last summer came in failing to convince Frenkie de Jong of a move to Old Trafford.
Ten Hag was keen on signing his Dutch compatriot from the moment he arrived in Manchester, intent on addling a world-class No.8 to his ranks as early as possible. United and Barcelona had agreed a €65million (£56.14m) fee as far back as July, but a combination of problems blocked the move from developing any further.
As significant a factor as any was the money owed to De Jong in deferred wages, and that was often cited as the source of any delay. But it is also true that the midfielder did not want to leave the Nou Camp, as he admitted last September.
