Let's get this out of the way right from the very start: Manchester United were right not to sign Marko Arnautovic this summer, despite his successful start to the season in Serie A.
Erik ten Hag identified the 33-year-old as a wildcard addition for United in the summer, a player he believed had the right character and confidence to revitalise an often flaky forward line.
Not only was Ten Hag an admirer of his characteristics, but he was also an admirer of his quality, with the United manager believing that he could supplement their striking options given his natural eye for goal.
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That certainly seems to be the case. Arnautovic is the leading scorer in Serie A heading into the first international break of the season, with an impressive six goals in seven appearances so far.
He has started every match for Bologna, only missing 20 minutes of action this season, and has been involved in every single goal they have scored in Serie A, be it a goal or an assist.
United had a bid of €8million for the forward rejected at the start of last month, but before they could submit a second, they walked away from a deal amid protests from supporters.
Ten Hag's interest in a deal was mocked by supporters on social media and the furious backlash at signing a player accused of racism is understood to be a contributing factor in the club withdrawing their enquiries, while Bologna's valuation of Arnautovic was also a stumbling block.
Arnautovic had to insist he was 'not a racist' after he celebrated scoring a goal at Euro 2020. It was alleged he used an anti-Albanian slur and UEFA handed him a one-game ban following an investigation, though they did not find the language to be discriminatory.
The fact that United chased the veteran Austrian forward when their nearest rivals had just signed the impressive Erling Haaland certainly juxtaposed two conflicting transfer strategies, but since then the narrative has changed around Old Trafford.
A humiliating defeat to Brentford forced United to take drastic action and, having rejected Ten Hag's transfer wishes, the club eventually backed him with the signings of Casemiro and Antony, two players the board didn't need to be convinced about.
United have been a transformed side ever since that defeat to Brentford, and although their latest two signings have only had minimal roles to play, the other summer signings have certainly influenced the mood.
Christian Eriksen has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season, while there is a case to be made for Lisandro Martinez being the best defender in the division on form. Tyrell Malacia was initially signed as a back-up but has flourished at left-back and has already exceeded many people's expectations for his debut campaign.
Ten Hag's transfer dealings did appear questionable at first, but the first weeks of the season have certainly proven that he has a clear eye for a player and is a credible talent spotter.
This should only further strengthen his hand as work begins on identifying targets to pursue next year, while Ten Hag might also point to Arnautovic's scoring start for Bologna as further evidence as to why he should be trusted to target who he wants.
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