Brighton plan their transfers well in advance. They signed Caicedo 18 months ago knowing that Bissouma would be leaving at some point.
It's so simple when a club has a proper structure and plan for the future. Just plug in a player in the position that will need an upgrade/replacement. It should be even easier for United since there are so many holes that need to be plugged and difference would be seen immediately.
This is a huge indictment of Murtough, he's been exposed as nothing more than another Glazer lackey in less than a year. From lack of January signing, the whole Rangnick shenanigans and now this current window.
Malacia - decent young squad player but unnecessary when you don't even have serviceable right back
Eriksen - good free transfer signing but not urgent when you already have Bruno/VDB in that position and don't have a holding or a d-mid
Martinez - solid composed defender, arguably needed but not as necessary as a right wing, striker and d-mid.
With so many glaring needs, signing redundancies because of manager's wishes and familiarity reeks of incompetence.