Manchester United are now faced with the possibility of the Glazers staying on as owners at the start of the new season.
Despite putting up the club for sale about six months ago, the unpopular American owners are nowhere close to finalising their successors.
Multiple bids have come in from Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe - the only two public bidders. However, fans need to prepare for the possibility that the Glazers may not actually leave.
Yep, you read that right. Would it really be shocking if they choose to act like the takeover saga never happened? After all, they've been acting like Man United don't matter for years - how else could you explain the leaky roof since 2019?
So if somehow the Glazers remain in charge, they can at least do something to placate the fans by making not one but two marquee signings.
Let's name them.
1. A new Wayne Rooney
For years now, Man United have lacked a solid No.9. Ridiculously enough, we had the chance to sign Erling Haaland for a throwaway fee not too long ago but guess who decided against it?
Haaland now plays for Manchester City and any chances of seeing him in a red shirt is over. However, like Haaland, there are at least a couple of youngsters who have the potential to be big stars in the future.
Two areas of concern for Man United remain the attack and midfield. Our future would be in safe hands though if we sign Evan Ferguson, who reminds us of a young Wayne Rooney.
Ferguson, 18, broke onto the Premier League scene last season with Brighton. Man United were briefly linked with the teenager but a move didn't materialise.
Evan has already scored and assisted a goal apiece for the Republic of Ireland in the Euro qualifiers. He also scored 7 goals and assisted three more for Brighton in the top flight.
That's in addition to 6 goals and 2 assists for their U21 team in the previous campaign. Everyone knows how tough the competition in England is - that's a testament to how lethal Ferguson can be.
Given the fans' frustration about the Glazers, they would do themselves a favour by signing a young striker like Evan whose taken England by storm.
Alongside established players like Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho, Ferguson would come in to forge a fearsome young attack.
2. A Xavi from Barcelona — literally a Xavi
Xavi Simons — a fiesty attacking midfielder wanted by top clubs across Europe!
To ensure there's an option beyond Bruno Fernandes to supply chances to our attackers, the Glazers only need to turn to Simons.
The highly-rated midfielder, 20, has joined RB Leipzig on loan from Paris Saint-Germain this summer. He obviously cannot be signed immediately but he's definitely an interesting prospect for the future.
Despite being so young, Simons can actually play a variety of roles. He's been deployed in a central attacking role as well as on both sides of the midfield. Thanks to his goal threat, he also thrives when playing further up top on the wings.
Xavi's only disadvantage is he gets fouled often. If he can keep his aggression in check though, he's capable of being among the best players on the field.
Usually, young players higher up the pitch don't contribute much when out of possession. That's not Simons though - he's known to press opponents when they have the ball and start quick counter-attacks.
The fact that he scored 21 goals and assisted nine more across competitions last season says it all. He's played for the senior Netherlands team as well in the Euro qualifers.
His finishing is very strong for someone his age as evidenced by his exploits in front of the goal. If he continues at this rate, he could be as good as - or even better than - Bruno when he's his age.
Simons' decision-making is admirable as well unlike other players his age. Just take a look at some of his best moments.
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If the Glazers want the fans back on their side, signing both Evan and Xavi would work wonders. With Ferguson as a No.9 and Simons as a chief creator, Man United are guaranteed to be sorted in the goalscoring department for the future.
Not to mention, signing two of the biggest superstars in the making would generate massive revenue from a commercial perspective. And if there's one manager capable of convincing them to join, it's Erik ten Hag.
It's not possible right now to imagine a world where Man United fans and the Glazers get along. But when we have gems like Evan and Xavi - and if they miraculously address the leaky roof - would you forgive them?
Tell us in the comments below!
