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.
9. Yannick Bolasie - Everton
A winger who showed some considerable talent while at Crystal Palace, so much so Everton paid north of £30million for his services. They've since sent him out on loan to Aston Villa and Anderlecht and are now offering him to anyone who will take him in Europe. | Getty Images Photo: Alex Davidson
10. James Tavernier - Glasgow Rangers
Tavernier finished fourth in the Scottish Premiership top scorers chart last season - he's a right-back. NUFC were unlikely to pay north of £20million for a player they let go as a kid, though. A non-starter. | Getty Images Photo: Ian MacNicol
11. Danny Rose - Tottenham Hotspur
Could well have proved one of the signings of the summer - and has spoken in the past of his want to return to the north of England. Rose is from Doncaster. The finances of this deal would always prove problematic... and did. | Getty Images Photo: Dan Istitene
12. Ben Gibson - Burnley
As far as loan options go this would not have been a bad deal but unless one of United's defenders walked, never really looked like it was on the table. | Getty Images Photo: Mark Robinson