Mateus Fernandes was the 'can't miss' player of this summer & Manchester United missed out on him. Fans won't walk to hear it because losing out on a priority target to a rival sucks, but it was the right decision by the club to not drastically overpay.
You can't pay Fernandes £250k when you pay Kobbie Mainoo £120k. Every club interested except Spurs - Real Madrid, PSG, Arsenal, United, rightfully baulked at the fee/wages & were right to do so. The outcome can be a letdown while also being the right call.
Elliot Anderson £116m & £300k per week, Fernandes £85m guaranteed & £250k per week & the club were happy to hold firm & not make previous mistakes of overpaying for players & blowing up their wage structure. I get it, despite how disappointing it is.
The question now & the balance to strike is landing other players & the club has to prove they are ready to pivot to alternative targets. Not only that, if Premier League proven is no longer feasible because of price inflation, flex your scouting nous & shop abroad.
Manchester United obviously have to prove holding their nerve & refusing to overpay is the right call, because priority targets are dropping off the board.