Sometimes, more often than you might think, greatness comes from a place of panic and disaster. Creativity and inspiration are forged in the fires of limitation.
Manchester United's limitation was time. With 36 hours left of the January transfer window and having thought that all their business was done, the club suddenly had to spring into action. Christian Eriksen, who has been so crucial to Erik ten Hag's transformation of the side, was ruled out for at least three months and would miss most of the season.
United were now low on options and low on quality in the middle. Fred has certainly enjoyed big games this season but remains too inconsistent to be relied upon. Scott McTominay has started once in the league since October. Donny van de Beek is injured. Kobbie Mainoo and Zidane Iqbal are young and inexperienced.
