Manchester United's transfer dealings woes

And then came the latest twist, with United submitting an official bid for Fàbregas - a national icon - a mere 24 hours after Bayern celebrated Thiago’s capture. Subtle United was not. Nor successful, with the club’s presumably faxed offer met with a predictably proverbial reply.

While the Reds’ thinking may be sound, the timing is absurdly not.

True, Fàbregas is thought to have grown restless at Camp Nou, though not because he has lacked appearances - the former Arsenal midfielder turned out more than 40 times for Los Culés last season – but that he is rarely called upon in the biggest games.

Overlooked for Barça’s pivotal Champions League fixture against Bayern, ignored in key matches against Real Madrid, Fàbregas is a far smaller fish than he was at Arsenal, now swimming in a very large pond.

But while the player may well entertain a premature move back to the Premier League the smart money says he is reluctant to do so against the motherland’s wishes. Barça may require hard currency after spending lavishly on Neymar and Lionel Messi’s new contract this summer, but face will be lost in Cesc’s departure.

Fàbregas’ return to the Emirates is probably 12 months away.

Indeed, with news filtering through on Wednesday that United has sought council with Real Madrid over the possible transfer of Luka Modri?, the club’s approach is beginning to feel increasing scattergun. Look up central midfielder. Hit speed dial. Hope.

Except that hope has never been a sound strategy.

Yet, it is Rooney of for whom the highest drama is set to play out,. The 27-year-old’s position in Manchester now untenable, with each side seeking the best financial return possible and little more.

That may be a tougher gig for United than Rooney.

While the Reds once sought a fee in excess of £40 million for a man who scored more than 30 goals in a campaign not 18 months ago, Chelsea is reported to have offered just half. With City, Barça, Real and even Paris Saint Germain seemingly uninterested, United’s options – and to a degree Rooney’s – are limited.

Reports that Rooney has set his heart on Stamford Bridge may not be far from the mark. It leaves the Scouser short of the moral high-ground his public relations team has so often sought, but likely to be heavy of wallet come the summer’s end.

José Mourinho claimed that the Londoners’ interest is “proper,” “ethical” and “clean” on Wednesday. Three adjectives rarely associated with the club.

Yet, it’s United that remains a touch light on aces for the negotiation with Chelsea to come. Can the club keep Rooney to his contract, as Woodward mused at the weekend? There is simply not a chance.

In that there is also a moment of clarity. One that may provide Woodward pause for thought as he rethinks the club’s oddball approach in the window’s remaining six weeks.