The quadruple substitution that Fulham made in the closing stages of their FA Cup capitulation at Old Trafford on Sunday was notable for Manchester United, beyond it being the desperate last throw of the dice for their opponents.
Two of the players involved, one going off and one coming on, were the only first-team players sold by United in the previous two seasons. They were footnotes to this chaotic afternoon, but also examples of what the club should be doing more often.
There was a sense United did well to bank a potential £10million for Andreas Pereira in the summer, but the midfielder has been one of Fulham's best players this season. His value has rocketed, but there are no regrets at Old Trafford. He has impressed because he has taken a step back. United got what they could for him.
