A change in manager, no change at the top, and a number of high-profile exits created the mood music for the most part of the summer, but the final three weeks brought deals, wins and a little cause for optimism.
In the end the deal for Andy Carroll in the final minutes of the summer transfer window took United’s incomings to five – but what about of those other, unsuccessful ‘links’?
Here we take a look at the 15 most outlandish, obscure and downright unlikely deals of the window that was.
5. Ansu Fati - Barcelona
This link is so obscure we don't even have a picture of the player. Fati, a 16-year-old winger, reportedly wanted out at Barca and piqued interest at NUFC. | Getty Images Photo: Michael Regan
6. Jefferson Savarino - Real Salt Lake
A Venezuelan international linked when Rafa Benitez was still at the helm. Was a non-starter the day the Spaniard walked out the door. | Getty Images Photo: Lucas Uebel
7. Donny van de Beek - Ajax
A star in the making eyed by the cream of the crop in Europe. Watched by United, according to sources in Holland, but it was a surprise they were even in the queue, never mind at the front of it. | Getty Images Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos
8. Thomas Strakosha - Lazio
MARTIN. DUBRAVKA. HE'S NOT FOR SALE! Sometimes these links get out of hand. Rated at £40million, this ticks all boxes - obscure, outlandish and unlikely. | Getty Images Photo: Michael Steele