Manchester United's problems in getting transfers over the line will come as no surprise to many across the world of football, with one agent admitting it is "chaos" behind the scenes at the club.
The Red Devils finally look to be closing in on a defensive midfielder after a number of failed pursuits led them to Real Madrid star Casemiro. United eventually scrapped plans to try and land Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong after a drawn-out transfer saga which lasted more than three months this summer.
Then United turned attentions to Juventus ' Adrien Rabiot, only to pull out of a deal when the Frenchman refused to back down on his huge wage demands. With little over a week remaining before the summer window closes, United are once again facing a desperate scramble before the deadline.
It's an all too familiar scenario, and one which those who have done business with the club believe is hardly unexpected.
In a piece published by The Athletic, one agent explained: “Even to do what should be a simple deal, you find yourself having to speak to at least three different people. You take Man City or Liverpool; they’ve got a clear structure and you know who does what. I don’t see any of that at United. When people say it’s chaotic behind the scenes, it really looks that way.”
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United have tried to create some order in their hierarchy by bringing in transfer chief John Murtough who is supported by Darren Fletcher as technical director. Transfer talks were previously left to director of football negotiations Matt Judge, though he is currently working his notice period after handing in his letter of resignation in April.
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Former executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward was also thought to have taken an active role in transfer discussions and has recently been replaced in his role by Richard Arnold. United's approach to recruitment has been criticised for a lack of joined-up thinking and a scattergun strategy with no real plan in place - unlike the efficient processes that have helped charter Man City and Liverpool's success.
United have been linked with a number of different sporting directors in recent years, including Sevilla director Monchi, ex-Ajax chief Marc Overmars, former United goalkeeper - now chief executive at Ajax - Edwin van der Sar, and former Tottenham recruitment chief Paul Mitchell.
Remarking on the hierarchy at United, another agent said: “There’s still no real sporting director. I know they looked at Paul Mitchell at Monaco. He’s done a good job everywhere he’s been.
"They need someone like that to go in with the ability to make changes. It’s a full rebuild. I feel they only do partial rebuilds. Partial rebuild after partial rebuild.”
It is perhaps why United have failed in a number of approaches down the years, with the likes of Haaland and Jude Bellingham opting against a move to Old Trafford in favour of furthering their development at Borussia Dortmund, while previous targets such as Ben Chilwell and Grealish moved to direct rivals.
Another agent said: "Right now I couldn’t look my player in the face and say it’s a great opportunity.”
United are in the midst of takeover speculation, however, which could bring fresh change to the club's ownership. The Glazer family are reportedly open to selling off at least a minority stake, with US investors Apollo said to be in 'exclusive talks', according to the Mail.
Britain's richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe - who hails from Manchester - has also thrown his name into the hat by confirming his interest in a potential takeover bid if the club were put up for sale. Ratcliffe founded successful chemicals company Ineos and already has investments in French club Nice, Swiss outfit FC Lausanne-Sport, as well as the Mercedes Formula One franchise.
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