How much truth is there in this? Because I believe this was a motto SAF had and is something that generally rings true in football. I also suspect it is a mantra Ole is following- that the building of all great teams starts at the back (and takes time).
05/06 was the start of one of SA's greatest rebuilds, when we signed Vidic, Evra and VDS. The next season we signed Carrick, before effectively completing the rebuild with Anderson, Nani, Tevez & Hargreaves.
I know a lot of people were peeved at our transfer dealings, but (and I know this has been said a zillion times already) I really believe this is the start of United's rebuild. Previous transfer windows have seemed a bit square peg, round hole. Sign any talent that is available. I think, by focusing on the defence first and foremost (and hopefully signing DDG to a long term contract) it suggests Ole has a long term vision that he knows it will take time to complete.
The Maguire and AWB signings are eerily similar to the Vidic and Evra signings. Having lost the last three leagues (03-06), Sir Alex rebuilt his next great team and went on to win 3 on the trot- and it all started with signing two solid defenders. Obviously I'm not expecting us to win 3 in a row, just that there are a lot of positives to take from this window.