Manchester United will play the remainder of the 2024/25 season with just four recognised attackers after missing out on the loan signing of Mathys Tel on deadline day.
The Bayern Munich star and Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku were both of interest from United but the club failed to agree on a deal. Ruben Amorim's options in the final third means his late plea for reinforcements on Sunday have come unanswered.
After deciding to name no recognised striker in his starting XI for the defeat to Crystal Palace, the United boss admitted the club were "trying everything" to strengthen their options before the window closed. Despite the appeal, only Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven were signed in January.
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The disappointment of missing out on Tel on deadline day will take some getting over. After twists and turns in the race for his signature, United were forced to watch Tottenham swoop in and bring him in on loan with no buy-clause at the end of the season.
In hindsight, there's no guarantee he would come to England and solve Amorim's issues. However, the decision to leave Alejandro Garnacho, Amad, Hojlund and Zirkzee as the options in attack - after allowing Marcus Rashford and Antony to exit - is really a disaster.
MEN Sport reported at the start of deadline day that United were adamant not to make a panic buy before the window closes, just like they did with Odion Ighalo and Wout Weghorst in previous years. It is now understood that the club have prioritised their summer spending in their decision-making not to sign a new striker this month.
Frustrations within the fanbase will be higher than ever during Ineos' short tenure at the club after the dull end to the transfer window. Amorim is also expected to be irritated by the lack of business. His job will be to turn United's season around and look to secure a spot in next season's Champions League by lifting the Europa League.
Those above him, in charge of transfers, must get their act together. After dragging their feet in January and failing to address priority positions, Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox must prepare for the summer transfer window. Simply put, it's another huge window.
United's £200m investment in the summer is possibly a blueprint for what could materialise in the summer. However, there's scope for the hierarchy to redeem themselves for the mishap that played out in January by lining-up deals for June.
While the likes of Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton consider what the future holds beyond their current contracts, United have a number of options they have to be taking into account for free transfers.
Some quality players are in the final five months of their contracts and there are four in particular who would immediately improve Amorim's team. Following Lisandro Martinez's cruciate ligament injury, a new centre-back should be an area they look to strengthen despite investing heavily in Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt last summer.
Jonathan Tah is set to become a free agent upon the expiry of his contract at Bayer Leverkusen and no club has yet managed to secure his services. At 28, he's in his prime and is an improvement on Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf.
Staying in Germany and Leroy Sane is also on course to be available. Reports have stated it's unlikely he will receive a new contract at Bayern Munich and a return to the Premier League could be on the cards. Again, the left-footed right winger is an improvement on Antony and would make United better.
Jonathan David is a transfer that United should have considered in January. The Lille striker is a wanted man with Arsenal, Barcelona and Real Madrid all linked but he is yet to commit his future anywhere.
At the age of 25, David is a centre-forward that offers something different to the end product that United currently possess. He's quicker, better in front of goal and an individual boasting confidence. Three traits both Hojlund and Zirkzee both lack.
The final name on this list is Angel Gomes. The ex-United midfielder has made a name for himself in France with Lille and at only 24, the England international is expected to leave the French side in the summer.
With Amorim utilising two No.10s, Gomes is the perfect profile. He could follow the path that Paul Pogba embarked on in 2016 and return to the club as a better player, only United will be hoping he enjoys a better second stint at Old Trafford.
United are incredibly unlikely to sign all four of these players. Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen, Edinson Cavani and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are four noticeable free agent arrivals in the past and they could do a lot worse in returning to the free market this summer.
