Manchester United's struggles this season weren't helped by the successes of both Manchester City and Liverpool, nor have their summer transfer plans been helped by the early activity orchestrated by both clubs either.
United sources have reiterated a need for patience amid the outcry for new arrivals from fans online. It is easy to forget the transfer window has only actually been open for four days.
It might be a while yet before United unveil their first signing, but work is underway to make that happen, with United understandably taking extra precautions to ensure any new recruit enhances them both on and off the pitch.
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But it is only natural that United are being compared with two of the standard-setters in world football, both of whom have added extra firepower to their attacks this week, by each signing a forward they wanted themselves.
United attempted to sign Erling Haaland for €20m from Red Bull Salzburg when Ralf Rangnick was their sporting director in December 2019 but the Norwegian rejected them to join Dortmund.
They were also interested in Darwin Nunez ahead of his anticipated move to Liverpool, but club sources warned they would not get drawn into a bidding war for the Uruguayan, while the forward made it clear he wanted to play in the Champions League next season.
The two transfers have hammered home how big a task Erik ten Hag has on his hands to convince players to move to Old Trafford this summer, and despite their huge global appeal, United remain far less of a enticing football project than their two greatest rivals.
Another issue which has been highlighted for United, though, is their need for a new forward this summer, with the two best attacks in the Premier League each adding one of the most exciting strikers in world football to their ranks.
While much criticism has been aimed at their defensive woes this season, United have ultimately not scored enough goals to challenge for the Premier League title either.
Across the last five seasons, the English top-flight champions have netted an average of 93.6 goals in order to take home the trophy. United's average goals scored over the past five Premier League seasons is just 65.8, way off the standards which are being set above them.
Cristiano Ronaldo defied his doubters to net 24 goals in 39 games during his first season back at the club, but with the Portuguese veteran turning 38 next season, the club needs to ease their reliance on his services.
Ten Hag will also need to make do without the departing Edinson Cavani in central attack, while Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata leaving will also weaken the attacking depth at his disposal.
United want to sign one forward with a preference for another this summer, with Ajax forward Antony heavily linked in recent days. Rangnick recommended Christopher Nkunku of RB Leipzig before he walked away from his planned consultancy role, while the club is also monitoring Arnaut Danjuma.
They enquired about Tottenham striker Dane Scarlett before it was announced he had signed a new contract and made initial enquiries about signing Lyon forward Moussa Dembele in March.
United's genuine attempts to sign both Haaland and Nunez do at least highlight that they are targeting the right profile of player in the summer transfer window, but with the pair moving elsewhere in the North West, the search for a new striker goes on.
