Michael Keane was on the verge of returning to Manchester United from Burnley in 2017 but Jose Mourinho opted to sign Victor Lindelof instead and Everton ultimately benefited
The former Red Devils manager had even gone as far as agreeing terms with Keane over his proposed return.
But the Portuguese boss eventually opted for Sweden international Lindelof instead as he was snapped up from Benfica for £31m.
It is fair to say the centre-half has not totally lived up to his potential at Old Trafford.
Wilfried Zaha and Jordan Ayez caused Lindelof problems all day as he failed to cope with the two Eagles forwards.
Alongside Harry Maguire, United may look to bring in a top quality centre-half before the window shuts, with RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano admired.
But United are overrun with central defenders at present, with the likes of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo all still on their books.
Keane has gone on to become an England international at Goodison Park and is a regular in Carlo Ancelotti’s defence.
United then looked at re-signing him again last summer too before moving for Maguire, who cost £80m to land from Leicester.
While Lindelof has been a regular in defence under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, his limitations are continuing to be exposed.
On Saturday, United made their Premier League bow for the new campaign and lost 3-1 at home to Crystal Palace.