On January 30, Marcel Sabitzer was gearing up to feature for Bayern Munich in the DFB Pokal. 24 hours later, he swapped a trip to Mainz for a flight to Manchester and became a United player deep into added time on transfer deadline day. It was a quick turnaround but far from a 'panic buy', as Paul Merson sloppily mused on Sky Sports.
The Reds had kept tabs on Sabitzer for around seven years with club recruitment staff continuously compiling a shortlist of potential go-to options, a list that ultimately proved vital. United are not alone in operating such a system.
Data-driven Brentford’s ranking system - that caters for both transfers and starting line-up guidance - saw them to Premier League promotion, while Brighton were straight on the phone to Roberto De Zerbi as their top-of-the-list next manager upon Graham Potter’s exit to Chelsea.
READ MORE: Marcel Sabitzer will help Casemiro take on ideal role
You can bet Newcastle will be operating the same system after director Dan Ashworth switched from the Seagulls to the Magpies. This who’s-next system is paying dividends and has come to United’s aid amid Christian Eriksen’s long-term injury.
But if Sabitzer believes he has come in to play the rescue role with few repercussions, he is mistaken. Erik ten Hag has set the standards high since his arrival and his newest signing will be used to this at Bayern.
The loanee - who recorded 52 goals and 42 assists in 229 appearances for RB Leipzig before his move to Munich - has made just 15 Bundesliga starts in 18 months for a reason. So high standards will not shock Sabitzer.
He looks a shoo-in for a midfield berth against Crystal Palace this weekend, but speaking ahead of the club’s second leg League Cup semi-final clash with Nottingham Forest, Ten Hag reminded his players what he expects from them.
When asked about the youngsters in the squad, the United manager said: “They are there because we need them. They are there because they perform, they deserve it.
“So when they get called up they have to be ready. That is what I expect, it doesn’t matter if you are young or old, you have to be ready if the team needs you.”
Fred will be vying for his spot in the team amid Eriksen’s absence, as will Scott McTominay when he returns from his own knock. The likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Zidane Iqbal are showing the first fruits of promise too, albeit are a long way from challenging Sabitzer.
But Ten Hag’s words should come as a reminder to Sabitzer that he cannot afford to be lax, even if it looks like, aside from Casemiro, he will be favoured over his competitors to start.
He will be expected to perform with World Cup star Fred and academy product McTominay right behind him. That should be right up Sabitzer’s street.
Speaking upon his arrival at the club, he detailed: “I am a competitive player; I want to win and help the club achieve its aims this season. I feel that I am at my peak as a player and that I can contribute a lot of experience and energy to the squad.” Game on, then.
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