It sums up just how much of a mess Manchester United are in that, by their own failure in the transfer market, they have actually stumbled upon a player they needed all along.
Had the club and Erik ten Hag got their way, Frenkie de Jong would have been the big money midfield signing this summer. Instead, it is El Clasico rival Casemiro who will soon be swapping Spain for Stretford.
Ten Hag acknowledged United's lack of a defensive midfielder when he took over the club, but believed the best way to compensate for their soft spine would be to make tactical changes rather than ones of personnel.
