53.
That is the number of appearances United's six summer signings have made since joining the club.
That's an average of almost 9 games each, and considering United spent £150m just on permanent signings, (excluding Falcao's loan fees), that's not been good enough.
In their 1-1 draw against Aston Villa, United had Herrera, Shaw, Blind and Rojo all missing once again and Di Maria was clearly not match fit when he came on, having no impact when United were chasing the game.
If United are to become title challengers, which looks less likely after their draw, they need their signings to step up once they return from injury.
With Herrera, Shaw and Rojo all having minor injuries and Blind to return in the New Year, they should have close to a fully fit squad starting 2015, and they need to continue this unbeaten run they're on.
United don't just have a shaky defence, they fail to create and convert their chances.
The Red Devils have only scored 3+ goals on three occasions this season out of 17 Premier League games.
With the attacking riches United possess, that can't be good enough.
Against Villa, it was a similar problem, the side had the majority of the possession, but couldn't create many clear cut chances.
United ended the game with Rooney, Mata, Falcao, Wilson and Di Maria all playing, but they weren't even bombarding the Aston Villa goal, as we're so used to seeing pre-Sir Alex retiring.
Despite United's fantastic run so far, which is now seven games unbeaten in the Premier League, Van Gaal still hasn't gotten it right yet.
His "philosophy" hasn't been transmitted to the pitch yet, and it's getting to the point where it must be asked, "Is this as good as it gets?"
However, although United clearly haven't hit their stride yet, they're still third in the table.
If they're signings come back, especially Blind who has been a massive miss, United will look like a much more solid side as a consistent line-up will be able to improve this side's form.
United's defence is obviously an issue too.
It's baffling as to how Johnny Evans gets into this United side.
Every time he received the ball, the Irishman would go backwards despite having options ahead of him.
Who would be a better option? Tyler Blackett, that's who.
The young centre-back came on at half-time for Darren Fletcher, and looked as if he had playing professional football at the top level for years.
His calmness on the ball, as well as always looking forward was an evident difference in styles compared to Evans.
The experienced defender was also at fault for Villa's goal, throwing himself at the three feints Benteke sold him before curling the ball in the corner with his left foot.
For the senior defender at United to lack attacking prowess and fail to look convincing, it's worth wondering whether Van Gaal will look at moving Evans on in the summer if he can bring in a solid replacement.
If United are to play three at the back, my picks, if all fit, would be Jones, Rojo and Blackett.
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