It's fair to say that Manchester United is not having the summer that its fans had hoped it would. The Red Devils are coming back off their worst season since the 1970s but the wholesale changes that are so clearly needed have not taken place.
Besides those who exited at the end of their contracts at the end of June, there have been no player exits, despite several stars — mostly attackers — being up for sale.
Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony form a quartet of unwanted wingers, while left-back Tyrell Malacia is also surplus to requirements following the January arrival of one-time Liverpool target Patrick Dorgu..
There are other players that United fans would like to shove through the Old Trafford exit door this summer, not least the blundering Andre Onana and the profligate Rasmus Hojlund. Luke Shaw and Mason Mount won't be winning any popularity contests any time soon, either.
United's failure to shift players and raise funds — funds which are badly needed after the club failed to backdoor it into the Champions League — is having a knock-on effect on its ability to sign players too.
Matheus Cunha arrived from Wolves early on in the window, and the hope among fans was that the Brazilian's swift acquisition would be a sign of things to come, but United has been anything but swift since.
It's been over a month since Cunha's move was confirmed, and United has tried to cover up for the lack of high-profile additions by giving 18-year-olds Diego Leon and Enzo Kana-Biyik the first-team signing treatment on social media.
Now, the Manchester Evening News reports that United is taking a novel approach to trying to raise funds, by trying to offload academy youngsters, without consulting their families or representatives.
Florian Wirtz is one of several high-profile signings made by Liverpool, while Matheus Cunha is United's only notable signing
Florian Wirtz is one of several high-profile signings made by Liverpool, while Matheus Cunha is United's only notable signing (Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
It is the latest example of just how badly run the Old Trafford club is behind the scenes, and is in stark contrast to the way in which Liverpool has operated for a number of years now.
The Reds are enjoying their greatest period in decades, with two Premier Leagues, the Champions League and a number of domestic cups claimed since 2019, and a lot of the success has been down shrewd recruitment, as well as selling players at the right time.
Liverpool has signed three players for big money during the current transfer window, and it is currently going for a fourth in Alexander Isak, and that spend simply would not have been possible were the club being managed like United currently is.
Last season, Liverpool accrued 43 more points than United. If this summer continues as it is currently going, the gap could be that big once again.