Manchester United hit rock bottom during last month's Europa League loss to Tottenham Hotspur, but they may soon get some revenge in a move that could launch Ruben Amorim's side back up the Premier League table.
United face competition from Spurs to land Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, but he reportedly prefers a move to Manchester.
Sky Sports reported this week that United had sent an improved offer of £60 million to Brentford, but here's the key part: Mbeumo is "leaning towards United" over a move to N17.
That final part goes beyond just the impact he could make on a United side in desperate need of more goals. In theory, Spurs should have more to offer. They can provide the bright lights of Champions League football while reuniting Mbeumo with Thomas Frank, who helped unlock his potential in a phenomenal 20-goal campaign.
Instead, Mbeumo prefers a move to United. It tells us everything we need to know about where this club stands, even after one of the team's worst seasons in modern times.
Bryan Mbeumo is the statement signing Man United must get over the line
European football? None. Realistic chance to compete for the Premier League title? Nope. But this is still Man United, and this club remains a huge draw for star players.
But it's also a huge summer, and they have to hit this transfer window out of the park.
Signing Matheus Cunha is a huge first step to rebuilding the attack, having produced 40 goals and assists across the past two seasons for Wolves. Adding Mbeumo to play alongside him would be another statement move for Amorim's team.
He scored 20 goals and assisted nine last season for the Bees. According to Opta, his Expected Goals (xG) of 12.3 ranked 11th in the Premier League, comfortably ahead of any Man United player. The closest was Bruno Fernandes (9.95), who finished 22nd.
While netting over seven goals more than the advanced stats expected might raise concerns about possible regression this season, the idea is that he would play alongside more attacking firepower at Old Trafford. Linking up with Fernandes, Cunha, and, with any luck, a premier goal-scorer through the middle will help Mbeumo's game reach new heights.
United have a mountain to climb. They don't want to experience another season like their last ever again. But getting there takes investment, particularly in the attacking areas.
Beyond that, though, Mbeumo's preference proves Man United remain one of the top draws for star players in the Premier League. Spurs can tempt Mbeumo with the continuity of playing in Frank's system, and he would get guaranteed Champions League football.
Alongside Cunha, Mbeumo can dramatically shift United's goal struggles and launch this team back where it belongs.
Spurs may have put the "Lads, it's Tottenham" days to bed once and for all with four straight victories and a famous night in Bilbao, but one thing still remains true.
Despite the recent struggles, this is still Man United.