Erik ten Hag was prepared to wait for his third signing of the January transfer window - to make sure he got it right.
The deadline day news that Christian Eriksen's injury would keep the Dane out until at least late April was met with frantic calls from Manchester United fans for Ten Hag to sign a replacement. But the Red Devils boss rejected four midfielders he was offered until eventually giving the green light for United to move for Marcel Sabitzer.
The Bayern Munich star joins on loan for the remainder of the season and will provide a welcome boost for Ten Hag, who was looking short of options in the middle of the park. Yet perhaps just as important for United's manager is that his new arrival possesses the ideal qualities he is looking for in a member of his squad.
