Manchester United have not always earned the greatest reviews from the wider community for their transfer policy in recent times.
A lot of money has been spent in the post-Alex Ferguson era, with very little substance to show for it.
In fact, of the 23 players bought by David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho, only nine remain at Old Trafford.
Of those nine, just three are regulars in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side: Luke Shaw, Paul Pogba and Fred.
Victor Lindelof played a lot last season but is now further down the food chain, whilst Nemanja Matic fills in when necessary.
Yet, under the Norwegian’s stewardship, it seems United have turned a corner in their recruitment strategy.
Although they’ve persisted in spending big, they’ve mainly shopped wisely.
Donny van de Beek continues to flounder, whereas Daniel James didn’t even last two years before leaving to join Leeds United.
However, Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane have all been fine acquisitions.
But arguably Solskjaer’s greatest business achievement is that of luring Cristiano Ronaldo back to Manchester for just £19.8m (Sky Sports).
CR7’s impact was immediate; a brace on his second debut against Newcastle United, in front of a vibrant Theatre of Dreams crowd.
Recreating Robin
With Ronaldo at the tip of the attack, United’s starting XI peers down upon most in the division.
They will look to the Portugal captain for inspiration in the hunt for their long-lost Premier League crown.
Much in the way the last, truly significant signing by the Red Devils managed nine years ago.
One of Ferguson’s final parting gifts was the employment of Robin Van Persie in 2012.
After leaving Arsenal in search of league silverware, Van Persie went about achieving his dream.
26 goals in 38 domestic outings from the Dutchman blasted United to their 20th top-flight title, their 13th since the 1992 reformation.
Of course, directly comparing the former striker and Ronaldo would be foolish; they are entirely different individuals with entirely different career paths.
But their impacts could be mirrored if the latter is able to emulate Van Persie’s performances of a decade ago.
After all, both were signed for a similar fee – Van Persie £24m (BBC) – and in the later stages of their careers – Van Persie 29, Ronaldo 36.
Could Ronaldo be the Robin United have been desperate to find? Very possibly.
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