Five mysteries that surround Manchester United's season so far

2. Is there actually any real money to spend?

When David Moyes took over the reigns at Old Trafford this summer, it was told to him by the club owners and the board members that, unlike the situation at Everton, he could go for any player he wanted to sign in the summer irrespective of their price. It was clear, the club wanted to gift a marquee signing to their new manager.

So where is that? After making all the right and loud noises which included the ambitious pursuits of players like Thiago Alacantara, Cesc Fabregas, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Anders Herrera and Leighton Baines, it was only Marouane Fellaini from Everton who came through the door at Old Trafford.

And argument may have it that Fabregas and Gareth Bale never wanted to join United, but the deals for Alacantara, Baines and Anders Herrera fell out only because of United’s inability to match their clubs’ asking price.