Ralf Rangnick has been told that his treatment of Jesse Lingard underlines a developing pattern which throws up a question mark over what he brings as Manchester United interim manager.
As the clock ticked towards Monday night's 11pm deadline, Lingard saw a potential switch to Newcastle blocked as former loan club West Ham also made a late attempt to sign him.
Following that, the 29-year-old has been granted time away from Carrington to 'clear his head' and will not feature in United's FA Cup tie against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford tonight (8pm).
During his pre-match press conference, Rangnick explained that decision was at Lingard's request - but the forward has since contested that with comments made on social media.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk