Last week, Manchester United insulted their supporters by planning to add a player to the squad. This week, they are doing the same by being open to letting one leave.
News of the club being prepared to sell James Garner ahead of the transfer window closing was never going to go be well received. In fact, it has generated just the sort of backlash that was expected and that it deserves.
Supporters, still reeling from Saturday's 4-0 defeat at the hands of Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, are furious with the club's willingness to offload a player who many consider as one of their most brightest prospects. Garner, who joined United's academy at Under-8s level in 2009, flourished so often on loan at Nottingham Forest last season that his chances of becoming a regular fixture in Erik ten Hag's plans this term seemed promising.
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The Dutchman, who is already under pressure after losing his first two games in the managerial hot-seat, has developed a reputation for developing exciting, young talent and unearthing gems with potential. He appeared to be the perfect manager to oversee the next stage of Garner's development.
But after casting an eye over him in pre-season, United have reached a decision to offload the 21-year-old ahead of the window closing in a little over a fortnight's time - and it makes next to no sense. Garner, who was often lavished with praise by United fans from afar last season, as he wowed crowds on the banks of the Trent, excelled for Forest, helping them earn promotion back to the Premier League via the Championship play-off final, a game which he bossed under the Wembley arch.
While it is fair to recognise the difference in quality between the Championship and the Premier League, the Birkenhead-born midfielder did not look out of place when Forest dumped Arsenal and Leicester City out of the FA Cup, before narrowly losing out to eventual winners Liverpool. In fact, Garner, a classy operator and excellent passer of the ball, looked more than comfortable.
Taking into account United's ongoing midfield problems, the youngster looked a good bet to feature in Ten Hag's plans this season in some capacity, even if it meant via the odd appearance from the bench in the Premier League and starts in cup matches. He was a young player that could not be ignored.
Rightfully so, Garner went on the pre-season tour of Australia and Thailand, but a niggle restricted him to just one appearance - a cameo role in the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa. While out in Australia, Garner outlined his intentions for the coming season and detailed what he felt was his best role.
He said: "Personally, I'm not too fussed if I play as a No.6 or No.8. Throughout the academy I played as a deeper lying No.6.
People maybe questioned whether could I score and create but when I got to the Under-21s I showed I could also play box-to-box. "This season I've played as a No.6, No.8 and in the No.10 position."
Considering United's lack of quality in midfield, it is all the more confusing as to why Garner has not been given a chance to stake a claim. The Reds are prepared to cash-in on a young player, who has impressed consistently over the last 12 months and earned waves of support, while Scott McTominay and Fred continue to spurn opportunities.
The decision to sell Garner could be down to United and Ten Hag believing that he he is not capable of making the jump from the Championship to the Premier League just yet. But as many players have proven in recent years, it is not insurmountable, with the likes of Mason Mount, Jarrod Bowen and Ivan Toney, plus others, coping just fine with the step up in quality. Garner has not been given the chance to try and follow suit.
With United currently sitting bottom of the Premier League table, having attempted to sign Marko Arnautovic and now being prepared to sell one of its most promising talents, the mood around the club is low. The fans have had enough and are continuing to be insulted by incorrect decisions.
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