Erik ten Hag and Manchester United got their Premier League campaign off to the worst possible start with defeat at home to Brighton & Hove Albion and a hammering away at Brentford.
While United managed to secure a win against Liverpool on Monday night, their performances at this early stage of the season has highlighted numerous problem positions that the Dutch tactician may have to address before the transfer window draws to a close.
Ten Hag has already completed the signings of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia, and Lisandro Martinez. But that will not be enough after their lacklustre performances last season and the loss of several first-team players over the summer.
On that note, here are five realistic transfers Manchester United can complete before the transfer deadline.
Frenkie De Jong
The 2022 summer window's biggest saga revolves around Frenkie De Jong and the debt-plagued FC Barcelona.
Manchester United and Ten Hag made it clear since the window's opening that De Jong was their top target, but over 100 days later, he is yet to arrive.
You cannot, however, attribute this delay to the Manchester United hierarchy as they've spent the past few months negotiating a deal rumoured to be around €85 million for the player with FC Barcelona since mid-July.
Frenkie De Jong will be a fantastic addition for the Reds as he brings the calmness and composure on the ball that their midfield currently lacks.
Another benefit is that the 25-year-old Dutchman is acclimatised to Ten Hag's brand of football since they both previously worked together at Ajax for two seasons.
Youri Tielemans
A cheaper alternative to De Jong will be Youri Tielemans. The Belgian midfielder's contract runs out next year, and credible journalists report that he will be available for £25 million this summer.
Tielemans is not at all dissimilar to De Jong in his composure and calmness on the ball. He can significantly improve United's midfield with his passing and playmaking abilities.
At just 25 years old and with the best years of his career ahead of him, Tielemans can prove to be much more than a financial bargain to Manchester United.
Antony
Manchester United's misfiring attackers, coupled with the air of uncertainty surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo's future, have made their pursuit of an attacker in this window public knowledge. Top of their list of coveted forward players is Ajax winger Antony.
Antony is a 22-year-old winger renowned for his dribbling, playmaking, and high pressing abilities. Over the past two Eredivise seasons, he produced 17 goals and 12 assists in 45 starting appearances.
Though United have already had an €80 million bid rejected by Ajax, they can increase their offer to secure the purchase. The Brazilian winger has also made known his intention to reunite with Ten Hag in Manchester this season.
Cody Gakpo
A name that has recently become familiar to United fans is Cody Gakpo. The Dutch attacker has been linked with a move to United since early August.
However, it is unclear whether United are pursuing him as an alternative to Antony, with some reports suggesting they want both players.
Gakpo is more productive than Antony. Last season alone, he scored 12 goals and provided 13 assists in 27 Eredivisie appearances. The 23-year-old Dutch international is versatile and can operate from the left wing, as a striker, or in attacking midfield.
He will be available for transfer this summer at a €40 million price tag. Also, both he and his club, PSV Eindhoven, are seemingly open to the move, which means he will be an easy transfer to complete.
Another attacker heavily linked to United this summer is Christian Pulisic.
The Chelsea forward has struggled with form and injuries since his £50 million arrival from Dortmund three years ago.
As the USMNT, he will be hoping to regain his form in time for the World Cup, but it seems like he is set for limited playing time again this season, thanks to the arrival of Raheem Sterling.
The 23-year-old can be the solution to a problem area for Manchester United because he plays comfortably on both wings and will provide much-needed competition for Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford.
His abilities are also suited to Ten Hag's high pressing and possession-based philosophies.
