A tough week on the road for Manchester United and one in which the deficiencies of their squad was laid bare. An over-reliance on Marcus Rashford's goals, a lack of impact in attacking roles off the bench and the fatigue that seems inevitable in what will be a 62-game season culminated in consecutive 1-0 away defeats.
This campaign can still very easily be a major success - the Reds are in command of their own top-four destiny and have an FA Cup final to look forward to - but this recent bump has only highlighted the importance of investment in the entire squad, rather than just the starting line-up.
Erik ten Hag wants to improve his starting XI, ideally with a world-class goalscorer and a ball-playing midfielder - interest in Harry Kane and Frenkie de Jong give an idea of what profile the Dutchman demands. Improvement in central defence, at right-back and potentially in goal is also being explored.
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But as important as those direct improvements is building depth, that is to not necessarily break the bank for a player but to add a smattering of functional options and compliment major arrivals. In those roles, versatility is a treasured strength and United may already have an ideal option within their ranks.
When Ten Hag learned of the seriousness of Christian Eriksen's ankle injury in January, the Reds boss acted swiftly to bring in cover. A half-season loan deal for Marcel Sabitzer was uncomplicated and benefitted all parties, with the player wanting more minutes and United needing an extra body.
However a red card for Casemiro in Sabitzer's first game against Crystal Palace saw the 29-year-old come off the bench and into a deeper role, which he maintained for the next three league matches.
Casemiro's return saw the on-loan Bayern Munich man pushed further forward, initially as a No.8 and cover for Eriksen - his original brief - but also behind the striker as a No.10, where he arguably produced his best performance in red, scoring twice in the 2-2 draw against Sevilla.
"I think I can play [as a] six, as an eight, [and] as a ten," Sabitzer told Premier League Productions last week. "I played it here - I started as a six when Casemiro was suspended. I had to adapt quickly and I think I did quite well. And yeah, in a few matches I played like an eight, like a ten.
"I try to help the team in the best way I can and I think I did it. So yeah, it's no problem for me. I cannot say 100 per cent [which is my favourite] because I played a lot of positions in my whole career and I cannot say I'm enjoying it the most as the number ten. So it depends on the game.
"Sometimes, you have a good game and you're better there in the number ten position. But I think I can feel the connection with the offensive players here with the front three and yeah, I have good movements, good ability, good runs behind, and I think I can help on this position in the team. I'm happy wherever the manager puts me in."
Admittedly, Sabitzer struggled as the defensive anchor in Casemiro's absence, but the Austrian could stake a claim as a more than capable back-up for Eriksen or Bruno Fernandes in their respective roles. The initial reason for his signing was as cover for the former, while contributions further forward are proof he can stand in for the latter.
Ten Hag will demand much more of his squad next season, continuing to compete in all major cups while mounting a genuine title challenge. It's those lofty goals that brought a first trophy in six years to M16 this season, with the chance of adding an FA Cup to that come June.
But to do so, the Dutchman will need not only an improved starting line-up, but a deeper and higher quality squad. Having people like Sabitzer, who can fill two or three gaps with ease, is crucial.
Bayern signed the midfielder for just €15million two years ago, and the German side aren't expected to demand much more for his services this summer. With numbers way over £100million being thrown around for some midfielders, that is relative peanuts.
A world-class midfielder that pushes towards that valuation is needed, and United know that. But while the marquee signings excite the fans, it is the more shrewd additions that bring bang for their buck - and €15million for Sabitzer would do exactly that.
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