Well, that's the summer transfer window closed - and it's been one that has been an absolute rollercoaster for Manchester United.
Cristiano Ronaldo stayed and could remain unhappy, Frenkie de Jong did not join and the club failed to sign a striker or a right-back. So that means it's been an unsuccessful window, right? Not exactly.
Obviously, signing a long-term replacement for Ronaldo would have been ideal. United are in need of a true number 9, as we cannot simply expect 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo to lead the line for 40+ games this season - or be a reliable starter in the future. And whilst many have high hopes for Anthony Martial, United need more.
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As for a right-back, Diogo Dalot has shown that he's a more than capable option for the short-term. Aaron Wan-Bissaka will have to fight for his place and earn Ten Hag's trust, but he's hardly a liability himself, either.
In the past, United have attempted to fix all their issues in one transfer window - acquiring well-known talented players to replace what they had lost, or feel they need to build on.
Essentially, though, they would paper over cracks. They'd be trying to fix something that was broken in that their style of play did not match their personnel. We have seen new managers coming in and trying new formations with a previous manager's players - as was the case with Ralf Rangnick wanting to press with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team who looked to rely on fast-paced counter attacking football - whilst using a number of different formations.
Erik ten Hag has a way in which he wants to play football, this is clear to see. He's building a team to play his style of football, and he's acquiring the players to do so.
And here's why this transfer market can be seen as a success, not only is he signing the right calibre of players tactically - but he's signing ones who can help them win immediately, whilst also, crucially, acquiring players who will develop for years to come.
In the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia and Antony - United have three players who have shown that they are solid in European football.
Take your minds back to March; if somebody asked you if any of these three players are world class, would any of you really answer with 'yes'. Of course you wouldn't, and that's perfectly fine.
In the past, United have looked to sign these 'world class' players, rather than looking at extremely talented ones who fit their system and have years ahead of them to grow, and reach that 'world class' level.
Conversely, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, can be described as the aforementioned 'win now' calibre of players. These are proven stars who can step in right now and help this team. Not only will they help the 2022/23 United squad, but they could play a huge role in the development of certain players - aiding the squad for years down the line.
If Casemiro and Eriksen aren't around in three years, it would have been an issue for previous United teams. But now, it feels like this United staff are correctly identifying areas of need, and stacking up with both young and experienced talent.
Sure, signing Sergino Dest and Victor Osimhen would have been nice, but United shouldn't be criticised for not.
Instead, they are slowly looking to rebuild their squad, and they're doing so by smartly acquiring the right targets, rather than panicking and trying to paper over the cracks.
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