Chief Executive Officer Angus Kinnear explained in his programme notes ahead of the Elland Road clash that Leeds would not be bringing in a fresh striker for the sake of it – the board would only move for the perfect recruit.
"The rationale is straightforward: we believe we have three striking options that are better than the majority of our peers [two proven international number nines and a player widely regarded as the best emerging young striking talent in the league] and will only supplement this with an exceptional addition rather than just a warm body,” Kinnear wrote.
But any reassurance Kinnear might have given United fans was quickly unsettled by the sight of Rodrigo departing the field with his arm in a sling – with what was later confirmed by Jesse Marsch as a dislocated shoulder.
The Spaniard will be a huge miss for the Whites after scoring four goals in five appearances and, though the same night saw the return of Patrick Bamford, fans are once again anxious about the Whites’ attacking reserves.
On Tuesday night, Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani caused a stir among the Whites fanbase by liking a tweet which linked Leeds to PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo less than 48 hours before the transfer deadline.
The West Yorkshire side will reportedly have to battle Everton and Southampton for the Dutchman, whose name has been associated with Leeds all summer – and the bookies have had their say on the deal’s likelihood.
Here are 15 Premier League transfers that the bookmakers are offering odds on:
7. Dan James to Tottenham Hotspur - 7/1
Leeds only signed the former Manchester United man very late on deadline day last summer - but James could be headed for London on a loan-to-buy deal. Photo: Catherine Ivill
8. Ben Brereton Diaz to Leeds - 25/1
The Chile international, who scored 22 Championship goals last season, has also been linked with a move to Everton. Photo: George Wood
9. Anthony Gordon to Chelsea - 9/2
One of the biggest transfer sagas of the summer could stagnate as bookies are offering 1/8 for the Scouser to stay at Goodison Park. Photo: George Wood
10. Jude Bellingham to Liverpool - 7/1
Offering odds on the former Birmingham forward's transfer to all of the Premier League 'top six', the bookies have identified Anfield as the most likely destination. Photo: Martin Rose
11. Armando Broja to Leeds - 33/1
The Chelsea man is more likely destined for Everton (7/2), according to the bookmakers. Photo: Mike Hewitt
12. Christian Pulisic to Leeds - 16/1
Pulisic has fallen out of favour with Thomas Tuchel and could join fellow US internationals Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams at Elland Road. Photo: Catherine Ivill