Erik ten Hag’s plan to build his Manchester United revolution around midfielder Frenkie de Jong is causing the manager major frustration as he resigns himself to missing out on his No 1 target.
There was confidence at Old Trafford that they could lure the Netherlands star from Barcelona before the start of the season.
However, there is a growing sense now that De Jong will not become the marquee signing they had hoped for.
United have not completely given up yet on trying to secure a deal but their chances are hanging by a thread.