In a shocking revelation reported by The Athletic today, Manchester United's scouting team identified and recommended several promising young talents over recent years, only to have their efforts stymied by the club's owners, the Glazer family.
The details paint a picture of potential stars slipping through the club's fingers due to decisions made at the ownership level, rather than on the field.
One of the most glaring examples highlighted in the report is the case of Moisés Caicedo. Manchester United's scouts identified the Ecuadorian midfielder early on and were keen to secure his talents.
However, despite his reported potential and a relatively modest transfer fee of $2 million, the deal was not sanctioned by the Glazers, leaving fans and analysts alike baffled by the missed opportunity.
Similarly, United passed on the chance to secure Pedro Neto, now a standout player at Wolves, for what is described as "measly training compensation.
Neto, who was just 17 at the time, represented a low-risk, high-reward opportunity that the club opted not to pursue, a decision that now seems short-sighted in hindsight.
Another case that has raised eyebrows is that of Jamal Musiala, who was highly rated by United's scouts during his time in the youth setup.
Despite being identified as a top talent, United backed away from signing him at the age of 15, a decision that allowed Bayern Munich to swoop in and secure his services.
Musiala has since emerged as one of the brightest young talents in European football, further highlighting United's missed chance.
Benjamin Šeško, another name on the list, was available for a transfer fee of €2 million, a relatively modest sum for a player with significant potential.
United, however, only pursued the player with bids of 1, 1.1, and 1.2 million euros, failing to meet the valuation set by his club.
This reluctance to invest in promising young players contrasts sharply with the substantial sums spent on established stars in recent years.
Perhaps most galling for United supporters is the case of Hannibal Mejbri. The talented midfielder could have been acquired for free a year earlier than his eventual signing, which cost the club a hefty €10 million.
This delay in securing his services illustrates a pattern of hesitancy and missed opportunities that has frustrated fans and pundits alike.
The report also mentions Filip Stevanovic, available for a mere 250,000 euros, another player United opted not to pursue, despite positive scouting reports.
These revelations have sparked renewed criticism of the Glazers' ownership and their approach to transfers and youth development.
While Manchester United remains one of the wealthiest clubs in the world, supporters are increasingly questioning whether the club's hierarchy is making decisions that prioritize long-term success and sustainable growth.
As the club navigates its way through another pivotal transfer window, the scrutiny on its recruitment strategy will only intensify.
For now, though, the question remains: how many more promising talents will slip through Manchester United's grasp before decisive action is taken?