Manchester United prioritised their midfield rebuild in the summer transfer window, but fans were expecting at least one more signing in a different area of the pitch. 

Last summer, the Red Devils underwent an attacking rebuild, with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško all joining, but Senne Lammens also arrived on Deadline Day as a new first-choice goalkeeper. 

Rather than a new starting shotstopper, United fans were hoping for a left-back or a centre-forward this summer, but the latter was seemingly dependent on Joshua Zirkzee's future at Old Trafford. 

The Dutchman had interest from Italy through most of the window, and also from Everton with just hours left to go before it closed. 

While many presumed time, the reason the move broke down has now been revealed. 

Matheus Cunha started the opening two matches as Manchester United's striker, with Šeško still working his way back to full fitness after missing pre-season. Zirkzee was fit and available, though, and he did not feature at all. 

Speaking on The United Stand, transfer journalist Ben Jacobs revealed when Everton called Michael Carrick's side, and how interested Zirkzee was in the move. 

"Maybe with 3 hours to go, Everton made an approach for Zirkzee and financially and structure-wise, the Everton perspective was that they were close," he said. 

"They also thought they had player buy-in."

So, why didn't it happen? 

Jacobs continued: "From what I understand, Zirkzee was not the one who said no. It was United who let Chido go on loan, and Man United felt they had no time left to bring another striker in."

Chido Obi joined Willem II in the Eredivisie just after the English deadline expired, leaving United unable to sign another centre-forward until January. 

Not signing a striker could leave Manchester United with problems going forward. 

Šeško will be hoping to make his first start of the season this weekend, but in both appearances from the bench, he has not looked as sharp as fans would have hoped, which makes sense given his lack of pre-season. 

Bryan Mbeumo has been forced to start both games from the right flank, with Amad out injured for up to six weeks, leaving Cunha to play down the middle. 

The Brazilian impressed against Ipswich Town, but could not find a way into the game against Hull City and offered little as a focal point when United needed it most. 

Zirkzee is also not a target man for Manchester United to aim at when they are escaping pressure or trying to cross into the box. 

Michael Carrick's squad lacks a recognised out-and-out backup to Šeško, which has to be a worry with Champions League games kicking off very soon. 

Manchester United face Sabah FK on Thursday, 10 September, as one of six Champions League matches before the January transfer window opens. 

A new striker needs to arrive before the final two.