Sir Alex Ferguson will not abandon the continental market in his search for young talent despite suffering another setback this summer.
In recent seasons, Gerard Pique and Giuseppe Rossi have both quit Old Trafford before coming close to reaching their peak after arriving from Spain and Italy as academy players, and now Paul Pogba has followed suit by leaving for Italy.
Federico Macheda has struggled to make his mark while Ferguson was reduced to accusing Pogba of showing United "a lack of respect" by allowing his contract to run down before joining Juventus.
It was an accusation repeated on Thursday by the United boss as he unveiled his latest 18-year-old recruit, Nick Powell, signed from Crewe at the end of the season.
However, Ferguson insists his disappointment at Pogba does not mean he will stop the worldwide hunt for youngsters.
"The important thing is to look at the ability of a player, and also character, which is important too," he said. "It is not a matter of signing him because he is English. We were disappointed in Paul Pogba. He showed a lack of respect to the club.
"
Although we always felt he was going, he never intimated it until he left.
That is disappointing.
But he has made his decision."