When summer signing Lisandro Martinez was hooked off at half-time against Brentford, there were concerns that he might not make it as a Premier League defender. Pundits and supporters from other teams were already writing his obituary in career terms. How wrong they were.
Any player who touches down in the UK needs time to bed in. Perhaps not Erling Haaland, mind.
However, when it comes to Martinez, there was a pre-fixed agenda regarding his diminutive stature and how he couldn't possibly make his mark on these shores. In some cases that narrative has continued as he makes each and every one of those dissenters look more clueless by the day.
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Martinez has, quite simply, been a breath of fresh air since swapping Amsterdam for Old Trafford and so much was said by Virgil van Dijk as the Liverpool star waxed lyrical about him on The Overlap this week. He knows an excellent defender when he sees one and the combative Argentine is certainly that - and more.
Question marks over his height and pace - or lack of - will return the moment he makes even the slightest mistake. Ultimately, though, Ten Hag and the player himself have already shown how to maximise the endearing qualities he does bring to the table. Ten Hag was bang on about him.
"I think the fans will admire him. He has an attitude, fighting spirit. He brings aggressiveness in the game, in a good way. I think we need that. But also, he's also skilful and he can deal with [being on] the ball."
A warrior in the truest sense, Martinez was the player United might not have even known they needed, but he has quickly become one they cannot do without. In relative terms, his 135-minute baptism of fire against Brighton, then Brentford, was a small price to pay for the gem United now have.
Ten Hag knew it and can be smug about his work. But the Dutchman has yet to use him in wildcard form.
"I think it'll be a mix [centre-back and defensive midfield]," said United great Rio Ferdinand when the move to sign Martinez was finalised. "I saw a quote from Ten Hag's assistant and how they were surprised at how well he played in there. I think they can mix it up with him, he can bring protection to the defence.
"If we're against a lesser team where we will see more of the ball and dominate possession then he may slot back into the centre-back position. He gives us that option which we're lacking in that area."
Standing alongside those who sharpened their knives at the first opportunity, Ferdinand was more analytical with his verdict on Martinez and let's not forget he has played there in the past for Ajax. Him operating as the defensive midfield shield was not an unthinkable Plan B and that alternative method remains on the agenda.
Before signing the equally impressive Casemiro to address long-standing concerns in the engine room, that tweak might have come at some stage due to necessity rather than preference. However, with United now bursting with options and confidence, Ten Hag does have scope to tinker.
Martinez the defender has already proven the doubters wrong with his punch-packing displays at centre-back. But will he get the satisfaction he deserves to do it all over again in a new role?
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