Richard Arnold's open, and supposed, off-record pub talk with disgruntled fans at the weekend could go down in history as one of the turning points in the recent history of Manchester United.
For so many years, United have been able to talk the talk, but this summer they must walk the walk after significant changes in nearly every department of the club.
Time will tell if Arnold really is cut from a different cloth than his close friend Ed Woodward in his role as United chief, but the early signs are certainly promising given the changes he has overseen and his open acceptance that things haven't been good enough in recent seasons.
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“For this summer, the money the manager and director of football wants is there," Arnold says in one video clip leaked online. "Get some f***ing players in. Money’s there, okay? Get on with it, John. Money is not a consideration on who we want... Get who you f***ing want."
It is refreshing to hear someone in such a position speak so openly and honestly about the transfer approach needed this summer, and it is also important that United are committed to backing the manager with whichever signings he wants.
While some supporters might be sceptical about actually following through with such a pledge, United's stance on strengthening the right wing this summer certainly suggests they mean it.
Erik ten Hag is eager to bring balance to the United attack after identifying the need for another versatile forward with Ajax winger Antony viewed as the ideal option.
United's new manager is well aware of the Brazilian's talents from their two-and-a-half years together in Amsterdam, having signed him from Sao Paulo back in February 2020.
While it is always right to be sceptical of any signing who has only previously impressed in the Eredivisie, Antony certainly possesses the technical traits required to adapt to the Premier League, with his ability to pick a pass sure to be a crucial component if he indeed makes the move.
The 22-year-old is also well known for his trickery and dazzling dribbling, so dumbfounding it belongs in the Magic Circle, though perhaps his most priceless trait is an ability to dictate the tempo of the match as if he were to bend different dimensions to his favour.
What is most exciting for United supporters, though, is the fact that United are open to such a move and are allowing Ten Hag to sign the right winger he wants rather than forcing him to get the most out of those already at the club.
United have invested £119million on three right-sided forwards over the past two summers, but none of them appears to be the immediate answer to the problem next season.
Jadon Sancho is far better suited to playing on the left and will look to solidify that starting role ahead of the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Elanga and Alejandro Garnacho next season, while Amad and Facundo Pellistri both struggled on their respective loan exits during this campaign.
While the two youngsters bought back on deadline day in 2020 might well have long-term futures at the club, it is reassuring to know Ten Hag is being allowed to bring in his own specialist who he feels can make an immediate impact at Old Trafford next season.
To quote Arnold again: “We spent a billion pounds on players, we spent more than anyone in Europe. I’m not thrilled where we are.
“What’s happened is we’ve burnt through cash. I don’t think we’ve done well with the money we’ve spent historically."
Ten Hag should not be held accountable for making good on previous transfer failings, and while signing another right winger this summer might not be the best look, it is one that is justified if the manager wishes.
A move for Antony could be right in more ways than one.
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