As if they weren't already aware, Manchester United's results over the last couple of weeks would have hammered home the fact that they need to add to their squad before the end of the transfer window.
Their business so far this summer has been largely underwhelming, with Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, and Tyrell Malacia their only signings so far.
They will be hoping to add to that trio in the coming weeks, with Frenkie de Jong still a primary target. United agreed a fee for the Barcelona midfielder quite some time ago, but they have yet to convince him to move to Old Trafford.
The whole situation has been dragging on for far too long.
Rio Ferdinand tired of Frenkie de Jong pursuit
Barcelona are reportedly keen to move Frenkie de Jong on this summer, needing the funds from his sale to ease their current financial issues. The situation is complicated by the fact that they owe him a reported €17million in backdated wages.
The situation could yet be resolved, although the player's willingness to move to Manchester United remains very much in doubt.
Speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand said he is far from impressed with the way his former team have approach this deal.
We're not in the market for the top players. We're going out and we're waiting for three-and-a-half months to sign Frenkie de Jong. With all due respect, he's a great player, but we're almost whoring ourselves out for this player for three months of the transfer window with our cap in hand begging, 'Please come to us'.
I think Ten Hag is sitting there thinking, 'This has been a complete shambles for me because I came in expecting to really revamp this first team with about five or six players that I believe could change our fortunes or give us a better opportunity of being a better team'.
And he's struggling to get over the line and his main target [De Jong], they've not got anywhere near it. They've walked around behind him begging him, 'Please turn round and notice us', and he's looking around and saying, 'Not for me'.
And we're still there, 'Please give us one chance'. How are we putting ourselves in that position? How are we allowing ourselves to be put in a position like that? Do you think Jurgen Klopp or Pep Guardiola or Six Alex Ferguson or Jose Mourinho would be following around a player like this? They wouldn't be doing that.
You don't want to come to us? Right, go away, go about your business, good luck to you, move onto the next target. It frustrates the life out of me.
Chelsea are also interested in Frenkie de Jong, with some suggesting that Stamford Bridge is his most likely destination should he leave the Camp Nou this month.
The Dutchman staying at Barcelona is one thing, but losing him to Chelsea would be a disastrous outcome for Manchester United after spending the entire summer chasing his signature.
In all, they could end up looking rather foolish.
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