Sources say United were open to moving in January if the right opportunity presented itself, but they were not prepared to compromise long-term plans for short-term fixes.
That had been described as the case before Ruben Amorim left, and they stuck to their philosophy as Michael Carrick took over.
That is not to say they did not consider a serious signing.
A deal for Antoine Semenyo was genuinely explored, and Carlos Baleba was discussed as an option. But the perfect conditions needed to exist for either deal to take off, and that was not the case in either instance.
Semenyo, of course, joined Manchester City, while Baleba’s price remained too high.
Brighton had no intention of selling mid-season and were still believed to be holding out for figures of around £100 million for any discussion to be opened.
United will revisit the situation later this year. There is still a feeling that Baleba wants to join, and could even sign at a more reasonable fee.
United have been working hard to cut their wage bill, and that will help them in the next window, but European qualification is now firmly in view, and Champions League football could really change the picture.
Sources close to the situation indicate that, with Champions League qualification, United could have more than £200m available to spend. And even Europa League football would help support a major transfer window.
That context is crucial when assessing United’s summer plans.
Midfield remains the central focus, and the ideal situation is that they sign two players.
That may change, depending on the future decisions of Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte, with Casemiro already announcing he will leave.
While Baleba is a top target, United have also been looking at Elliot Anderson. One problem is that he could take a similar path to Semenyo and join Manchester City instead.
Still, United have alternate options that will be explored.
Elsewhere, sources indicate there are three positions that could become particularly interesting.
United are keen to add a wide attacker, a left-back and a centre-back.
The Red Devils are currently very well positioned in the Premier League, with 14 games remaining and no other cup competitions to distract them.
United’s hierarchy genuinely believe that Carrick can lead them to Champions League football, and if that happens, they suddenly become a better option for top targets.
January restraint has given them further possibility to raise the bar - now they just need to make the most of it.
