Speaking in 2018, Ed Woodward was on a conference call with shareholders of Manchester United. "Playing performance doesn't really have a meaningful impact on what we can do on the commercial side of the business," he controversially said.
The words of the former executive vice-chairman were ominous for supporters of the club. As Liverpool went on to win the Champions League just a few weeks later - beating Tottenham Hotspur - their arch rivals didn't seem to be placing much of an emphasis on winning.
Around four years have passed since his comments, with the Reds finishing 33 points ahead of the Old Trafford outfit this season. Liverpool are on a different level to United at present, and Darwin Nunez will know it.
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The Uruguayan striker is a hot property on the transfer market right now, having scored 32 goals in all competitions for Benfica this season. Aged just 22, Liverpool and United were just two of the clubs interested in attaining his services this summer.
Despite reports that Erik ten Hag wanted Nunez to start his new reign in Manchester, the Red Devils seemingly refrained from engaging in any sort of battle for his signature with Liverpool.
Rather than competing for him by making a bid, United seemed resigned to defeat from the start, appreciating what their historic rivals could offer the Benfica talisman in comparison to themselves.
Liverpool will likely compete for the Premier League and Champions League again next season, with Jurgen Klopp in charge for his seventh consecutive campaign.
United, on the other hand, appear to be undergoing yet another restart. They will enter the Europa League next season, and will be contesting for a spot in the top four of England's top-flight.
Nunez's transfer to Liverpool should act as a red flag for those at Old Trafford. Despite Woodward's past claims that on-pitch success doesn't correlate with commercial success, Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have proposed the opposite is true.
Peter Moores - former CEO of the club having been appointed by FSG in 2017 - captured Liverpool's approach during a talk in New York in 2018.
"It's about making sure that revenue goes to one place, which is investing back in talent on the field. Talent on the field means victories, and victories means more fans," he said.
The Glazers have been criticised for taking dividends from United on a regular basis, whereas FSG have ensured that profits have always been been reinvested into the club - particularly Klopp's squad - resulting in consistent growth.
Nunez opted for Liverpool without pausing for a second thought, with Ten Hag forced to look elsewhere. Ultimately, the transfer captures the chasm between the two clubs at the moment.
