Manchester United are well aware of the transfer priority which they still need to tackle and this weekend they could be handed an unwelcome reminder about just how urgent it really is.
Ralf Rangnick's side are back in action against Aston Villa on Saturday night and go into the game aware they will need to make at least two changes from the side which defeated the same opposition at the start of the week.
Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay are both suspended for the match, meaning United will need to rely on reserve options if they are to have any chance of recording their second win of the week.
At left-back, the decision is simple with Alex Telles set to come into the starting line-up, though the decision isn't as obvious in midfield, where Ragnick considers a solution to a recurring selection issue.
It was only last May that Roy Keane warned United that they would never win any major trophies with a midfield axis of Fred and McTominay. Eight months later, the divisive duo is still a key member of the first-team squad.
Indeed, United's winner on Monday night came from a delightful Fred cross to McTominay in the box, though it will take a lot more improvement from both players if Keane is to ever change his mind.
The 'McFred' axis remains United's most effective under Rangnick, but it has made the team much easier to play against given opponents know exactly what their strengths and weaknesses are.
United continue to struggle to break down sides that defend deeply, and opponents don't even need to be particularly skilled at executing a low-block to frustrate them, so long as they don't leave themselves vulnerable to counter-attacks.
The club is in desperate need of a new central midfielder who can break down defences with their passing style, and while a specialist defensive anchor is also required, United require at least two new signings.
That is even before you get to the likely departure of Paul Pogba this summer and the ongoing issues with Donny van de Beek, a duo whose uncertain future will only intensify the urgency for midfield reinvestment at the end of the season.
In an ideal world, United would not only sign a new midfielder in the January transfer window, but they would also look to add one in the summer too, though the club would remain unlikely to announce any imminent arrivals.
Instead, most of the work is being done with a focus on the end of the season, when players' futures should be clearer and teams will be in a better position to negotiate deals rather than fear losing someone midway through the season.
However, just because that is the current plan, it does not mean that it is the correct one.
McTominay's suspension this weekend has further weakened an already delicate midfield and highlighted that United are still only one injury or suspension away from an unsavoury situation.
Rangnick trusts Nemanja Matic but he can only manage one match a week and Van de Beek is quite clearly out of favour as he pushes for a loan exit this month. There aren't many other options.
It means Pogba could easily walk back into the United side if he returns from injury as scheduled next month, hardly a good look for an interim manager who has already warned he will not be breaking his back to convince anyone to stay at Old Trafford.
With so few reliable alternatives, United can't ignore the enormity of the midfield reshuffle that is needed this year, both this month and come the summer window.
They could get another unwelcome reality check this weekend.
