It's been almost six months since Manchester United made clear their intention to restructure behind the scenes with the addition of a technical director, yet here we are, nearly one month into the summer transfer window, and the club appears no closer to filling the role.
It was reported on Wednesday morning that Ed Woodward's intention, for now, is to remain in charge of United's transfers, with the former investment banker yet to identify a preferred candidate to take over his role in the club's recruitment operation.
Realistically, when the season entered it's closing stages it became obvious that a technical director, were United to end up miraculously appointing one over the weeks that followed, would have no say on this summer's incomings and outgoings.
It is no revelation that United have missed the boat as far as this window is concerned.
Daniel James' move to Old Trafford was confirmed on Wednesday, while United have already settled on Aaron Wan-Bissaka, James Maddison and Sean Longstaff as priority targets.
For a technical director to come in at this stage and shake those plans up would only serve to unsteady the ship.
Still, United's fans have every right to feel frustrated to read that it is Woodward's intention to continue in his current role given his consistent failings in the transfer market.
This is, after all, his seventh window and in his previous six United's lack of a coherent transfer strategy was obvious.
Marouane Fellaini was United's sole signing in David Moyes' only summer in charge, while the majority of Louis van Gaal's recruits flopped and of Jose Mourinho's signings, only Zlatan Ibrahimovic was an unqualified success.
The arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer signalled a change in approach as United are now putting an emphasis on signing young players and that is sensible given the flaws of the previous policy.
As for where United's technical director will come from when they eventually appoint one, well, that's anybody's guess.
Club greats Edwin van der Sar and Rio Ferdinand have both refused to rule themselves out, Peter Schmeichel launched his hat into the ring in the days following Mourinho's sacking while Mike Phelan's name was bandied around until he was confirmed as assistant manager in May.
Monchi was mooted before his return to Sevilla was announced in March, while links with Paul Mitchell of RB Leipzig have died down.
One thing is for certain: as the wait for a technical director goes on, fan frustration with Woodward will grow and grow, and he is the only person who can quell that.
