Manchester United's late win over Brighton this weekend again raised the issue of transfer recruitment with just over a week left in the summer window.
Sole summer signing Donny van de Beek was used as a second-half substitute at the Amex Stadium, while returning loan goalkeeper Dean Henderson dropped down to the bench after his fine debut in midweek.
United's side were only good enough for third-place in the Premier League last season and with minimal investment this summer it is already hard to see how they will improve with only one new arrival.
The late win helped to ease growing pressure on United in the transfer market, but later in the day James Garner helped to show just why Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are getting it right in one area off the pitch this summer.
United have made a serious effort to secure loan departures for their most promising youth players this season and over the weekend their work was vindicated by the latest round of performances.
Watford fans were sent wild by midfielder Garner as he helped the Hornets to a 1-0 win over Luton in the Championship, with the United loanee finishing the game with third highest pass success rate out of any player in the team.
Garner played the entirety of the match at Vicarage Road and was instrumental in securing a vital three points for Vladimir Ivic and his side, impressing Hornets fans.
A classy performance
James Garner is a proper player. Comfortable on the ball. Great range of passing. Looks class. #watfordfc
— Jacob (@jacob_culshaw) September 26, 2020
Justifying his loan move
Big shoutout to James Garner. Looked composed on the ball today. Went about his job professionally and oozed confidence and guile. Looks very impressive #watfordfc
— Hornet Shane (@HornetShane) September 26, 2020
Elsewhere there was another promising display from youth goalkeeper Matej Kovar as he helped Swindon Town to an impressive 4-2 win over Burton in League One.
Dylan Levitt could be in action for Charlton as they travel to face Lincoln in League One on Sunday afternoon, while Aliou Traore missed out for SM Caen in their latest Ligue 2 defeat.
Tahith Chong featured from the bench for Werder Bremen as a Niclas Füllkrug hat-trick earned them a 3-1 victory over FC Schalke in the Bundesliga.
