04 November 2023 , 06:30
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It was the transfer saga that dominated the summer of 2022 at Manchester United and one that Erik ten Hag seemed to have addressed.
After the Dutchman walked through the door at Old Trafford 18 months ago, he soon outlined one of his main targets to turn around club's fortunes. And having previously worked with Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong at Ajax, a reunion seemed inevitable when the clubs agreed on a £63million fee.
But amid disagreements between the player and the Spanish club over payments owed, a deal between all parties was never reached. The Holland international subsequently stayed at the Nou Camp, and this season has been installed as club captain having helped the club to the La Liga title in 2022/23.
But the collapse of that transfer paved the way for United to sign Real Madrid star Casemiro for a similar fee. It was a move that initially appeared inspired, with the Brazilian playing a key role for the club last season and starting their EFL Cup final win over Newcastle.
Indeed, following the World Cup in Qatar, former United player Louis Saha argued the Red Devils should not contemplate moving back in De Jong given Casemiro's form: "There isn’t a single player in the world better than him," he said. His aggression and composure is at the top, and that’s how I see it. Competition in the squad is good but having so many midfielders isn’t always healthy."
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His standards, however, have undeniably dropped in this campaign. Despite his previous pedigree, the five-time Champions League winner has looked markedly off the pace and has recently been outshone by the more unheralded Scott McTominay in the United midfield.
Frenkie de Jong was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in 2022 (Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! Will Erik ten Hag be sacked if Man United lose at Fulham? Comment below.
And at 31, five years older than De Jong, critics have also voiced the perception that Casemiro is struggling physically with the demands of Premier League and European football. And it renders the notion that Ten Hag had secured the perfect alternative to his previous target a dubious one.
Indeed, splashing out more than £60million on a player who now appears way beyond his peak summarises the issues United have had in the transfer market since Ten Hag took over. More than £170million was spent this summer, with the acquisitions of keeper Andre Onana and Mason Mount in particular now under scrutiny.
And defeat at Fulham on Saturday will pile further pressure on the manager amid a mediocre start to the league season. United lie eighth, having already suffered five defeats in their opening 10 games.