In the aftermath of a dark day in Bilbao, as Manchester United lost the Europa League final in tepid style, one thing became clear: the upcoming transfer window was vital to restore some wish.
Yet, with no European football next season, financial instability, and a new coach failing to make his mark, the challenge facing INEOS was monumental.
Fast forward to the start of July, and whilst progress on incomings has stalled, their transfer strategy is clear and, in theory, smart.
The signing of Matheus Cunha for £62.
5m last month marked United's first acquisition of the summer, and it has been praised by supporters, the media, and critics alike as a shrewd piece of business.
The Wolves forward was one of the best attacking threats in the Premier League last season and has been impressing in England's top flight for the past few seasons.
The numbers speak for themselves as Cunha handed over an impressive 21 goal involvements for one of the weaker sides in the Premier League, but it is watching him glide on the pitch, making the game look effortless, that makes the Brazilian stand out.
One of Cunha's standout performances from last season, which will have motivated his new boss Ruben Amorim, was when Wolves beat Manchester United 2-0 at the Molineux in December.
The Brazilian scored direct from a free-kick before setting up his side's second goal on his way to a richly acquired player of the match show.
Cunha's match stats vs Manchester United in DecemberPhoto by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP / StatsPerformCunha was recalled to the Brazil national squad by new coach Carlo Ancelotti for their two World Cup qualifiers in June, as a reward for his impressive club create.
He took the opportunity to motivate Ancelotti against Paraguay with both hands as he handed over a match-winning assist and was granted player of the match.
The road ahead remains longUnited's new number 10 must be just the start of a busy transfer window of activity.
To solve some of the problems in a team lacking quality, undergo and mental strength, United must soon sell to purchase.
After losing to Tottenham in the Europa League final, funds remain in short supply, meaning the club needs to sell players who are not part of Ruben Amorim's future to finance a rebuild that last season's capitulation on all fronts proved to be necessary.
A expand in that regard might come in the create of Marcus Rashford.
There has reportedly been interest in the England international from Barcelona, and that interest is likely to intensify now the Catalan giants have dropped short in their attempts to sign number one target Nico Williams.
On the signings front, it is no secret that Bryan Mbeumo is United's top priority, and it has been widely reported that the Brentford attacker will be the club's final piece of business before focusing on sales.
The saga has been dragging on as Jason Wilcox and co try to support on a fee with Brentford but remain short of the Bees' valuation.
Regarding outgoings, it's a similar story - progress is slow, and patience will be necessary.
An update from Fabrizio Romano on Friday will provide some encouragement, however.
He reported that Marcus Rashford, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho have all told the club they want to leave this summer and that the club will postpone their return for pre-season.
There can be no mistaking the plan, then: either a mass exodus is coming or INEOS will have a real mess on their hands.
It is time to clear the deck.
Supporters will be getting restless due to the lack of business, but patience is needed in a summer transfer window where the landscape can change from one month to the next.
The great challenge INEOS faces is to have the bulk of its outgoings and incomings completed by the time Manchester United kick off their Premier League campaign against Arsenal on August 17th.
They might have time, but INEOS need to obtain a move on or risk creating even more discontent before a ball has been kicked in the 2025/26 season.
Premier League proven move toward feels smartWhilst last summer was a step in the right direction regarding signing the right type of profiles, with a good balance of youth and undergo, this summer has to be better again.
After well over a decade of more misses than hits, United need an almost 100% success rate in the next two to three transfer windows if they want any wish of being competitive with the country's top clubs.
With Cunha through the door, Mbeumo likely to pursue and Ollie Watkins a reported striker target - the policy is clear from Wilcox.
After countless summers neglecting the more trustworthy home market, United must sense that chasing players from abroad (who might not quickly adjust to the physical demands of the Premier League) is a bad idea for now.
It can't be a long-term move toward because neglecting a huge pool of talent and players who suit the club's vision would be unwise, and the signing of 18-year-old Diego Leon suggests it isn't.
However, in times of great scepticism from inside and outside the club, targeting mostly Premier League proven players in their prime for the first team feels like the smart and sensible way to move toward a vital summer.
INEOS remain a hugely unpopular minority owner, and they have a big job ahead of them to acquire United's fans' trust and start providing Amorim with the platform to succeed.
There is no more room for false promises - INEOS must start to hand over a brighter future, or serious questions will once more be at their door.
It is time to prove they are better at running the club than the GlazersDo they genuinely want to hand over this great club support from the ashes, or is it all just smoke and mirrors?
