Manchester United's board ignored the requests of Erik ten Hag a number of times during his first summer transfer window.
The Dutchman now appears to have turned the tide on United's fortunes and has overseen a four-game winning run in the Premier League that has taken them from the bottom of the table up to fifth, one point outside of the Champions League qualification places. Things started woefully, however, with two defeats from Ten Hag's first two games as boss.
After those losses against Brighton and Brentford respectively, the attention of the United faithful turned to the board as they demanded reinforcements to be brought in and bolster their side. Ten Hag made it clear to those above him who he wanted, compiling a four-man transfer wishlist before the window closed.
Now, over a fortnight after the deadline, it is clear that the majority of the United manager's requests were snubbed. The Red Devils forked out £85million Antony late on in the window, but even at that stage, Ten Hag made it clear there were more recruits he was aiming to bring in.
The only one he actually managed to get over the line was the deal to sign Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on loan for the remainder of the season to deputise for first-choice shot-stopper David de Gea. That deal is one that looks particularly confusing, given the Slovakian did not travel for United's recent Europa League clash against Sheriff Tiraspol.
There were another three players targeted that United failed to land. The first, a new right-back, as current Red Devils option Aaron Wan-Bissaka has failed to convince Ten Hag he is the man the club can depend upon and has already lost his place to Diogo Dalot.
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With that in mind, there have long been question marks over Dalot's ability as well, which goes some way to explaining why Ten Hag was keen on landing the signature of Barcelona right-back Sergino Dest. Instead, the American international joined Serie A giants AC Milan on loan.
Monaco full-back Vanderson was also touted as a potential option, but United failed to sign either and Wan-Bissaka remains at Old Trafford vying for his place with Dalot.
Moving into central midfield, a position United wanted to be occupied by their most obvious, well-documented transfer target of all - Frenkie de Jong. The Barcelona midfielder is familiar to Ten Hag from their shared time at Ajax, but the Netherlands international clearly wasn't as keen on a reunion.
Those at the top of the Camp Nou hierarchy actually wanted to sell De Jong in a bid to raise funds and ease their own perilous financial situation, but such was the Dutchman's desire to avoid a move to United that he dug his heels in and stayed put.
United's struggles in front of goal mixed with Cristiano Ronaldo's clear desire to leave prompted a search for someone to come in and play a centre-forward role.
Memphis Depay was reportedly at the top of Ten Hag's wish-list in that regard, but the forward followed De Jong's lead and snubbed United's interest to remain at Barcelona.
With just eight goals scored so far in the league this season, United are the joint-worst performing side in front of goal in the entire top ten, currently being beaten by the likes of Fulham, Leeds and Brentford.
Marcus Rashford appears to be returning to form, but United could still go on to regret failing to sign another forward as Ten Hag wanted in the summer.
