There is always an air of caution whenever Manchester United are linked with a star name in the summer transfer window. No matter how poorly the team might have performed previously, they remain one of the biggest clubs in the world, and as a result, are always in the mix when it comes to the biggest names in football.
United's policy has always been that if a world-class talent becomes available, they will at least be in the picture, though for a deal to take place, it must represent value for money and have the approval of the manager.
It hasn't always been that way, though. In previous transfer windows, United have been guilty of bravado and trying to sign the biggest names as if to try and prove their relevance despite falling behind their rivals in the Premier League.
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This summer, Frenkie de Jong is the marquee signing being linked with a move to United, and unlike previous top targets, there is far less to be cautious about this time around.
The Manchester Evening News understands United are in talks with Barcelona over a deal, but club sources insist they will not overpay for the Dutchman this summer.
Any possible move for the 25-year-old has to be on United's terms rather than the Catalan club's, as they look to cash-in on a sizeable asset in order to reinvest in other areas of the pitch.
That in itself is a positive for United.
In the past, their name has been used in order to incite a bidding war between clubs or thrown into the mix in order to accelerate plans for a new contract.
Seven years ago, Sergio Ramos reportedly told Real Madrid he wanted to leave the club in order to move to United and was the main name linked with Old Trafford all summer.
Two months later, he penned a new five-year deal at the Santiago Bernabeu and was made captain following Iker Casillas' exit from the club.
"I’ve never spoken about my renewal. With a contract that had two years to go, whatever the press want to say I respect but the reality is a bit different," he said. "“I’m being honest I never said I wanted to leave, I was quiet. I never said anything out of respect for my team-mates and the president, I never rang the office to ask for more money."
This time around, United aren't being used by De Jong to get new and improved terms at the Nou Camp, nor is their name being used simply to drum up interest from other interested parties.
Instead, the only concern United should have is whether the Dutch international truly wants to join them this summer, something he should be more open to now that he is well aware Barcelona view him as dispensable.
While the player understandably has a preference to play in the Champions League (who doesn't?) The most important thing for him will be playing every week ahead of the World Cup at a club where he is loved.
At Barcelona, he is just another wheel in the cog. At United, he could be the poster boy for Ten Hag's new era.
