When Tyrell Malacia was the only summer signing on board the plane for the pre-season tour to Thailand and Australia, alarm bells were ringing among Manchester United fans and pundits alike.
The feeling of deja-vu was palpable. Here we go again, supporters thought - another desperate window from a club that has had more 'new eras' than trophies in recent years.
Eventually and belatedly, the United transfer machine finally kicked into gear and the club landed six players for a total cost of around £230million.
After Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Antony, Casemiro - and back-up goalkeeper Martin Dubravka - all came through the door at Old Trafford as part of Erik ten Hag's overhaul of a squad that had endured a risible campaign last time out.