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Two of the biggest strikers in the Premier League, Luis Suarez, and Wayne Rooney, were both trying to force their sale to a rival club. But with their wishes shattered, the two giants return to teams they wanted to leave, and now have to win their fans back.
So how do these fallen heroes fit back into the team?
Having aspired for a move to Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid, and then the Champions League qualified Arsenal, Suarez has had a troubled summer. Just like his footballing career, the Uruguayan made all sorts of headlines during the break.
Stating publicly that he wanted to leave the Anfield, and revealing to Arsenal his 40m buyout clause, he turned himself to a villain.
The club and fans had stood by him during two very controversial phases: the Evra racial abuse and the Ivanovic biting case. But instead of paying them back, Suarez wanted to desert them and move to pastures new.
He also claimed that by failing to qualify for Champions League 2013-14, Liverpool had broken their promise to him. Irked by all this, Manager Brendan Rodgers had him instructed to train away from the first team.
Wayne Rooney was in a different boat. Following a turbulent season last time, he handed in a transfer request towards the end. Having been reduced to a bench warmer since the arrival of Robin Van Persie, the English hit-man has struggled for starting time, mostly coming on as a substitute.
When reports indicated that new manager David Moyes, also had similar plans for Rooney, he made his intentions public. Chelsea under Jose Mourinho were quick to offer him a place, with PSG and Real Madrid also interested. United though, clearly stated that he was not for sale, and refused Chelsea's audacious bid.
While Suarez was being lured away, for his greed to play in the Champions League, Rooney was looking for some consistent starting XI time. Both of these strikers, ultimately wanted to play better football, but at the cost of loyalty. The fans understand this, and will forgive them, although not immediately.
Suarez was put in his place when, team owner John Henry, clearly stated he would not sell him. Suarez had to do a u-turn and apologised to his team mates to return back to old ways.
Rooney, having accepted that he'd have to stay at Old Trafford this season, has settled back into the team, playing in the season opener. And although he seemed distant and away from his mates, he has their support.
While Suarez is critical to Liverpool's hope of finishing in the top 4, Rooney has to prove his worth again. Having been seconded by RVP and even Javier Hernandez, he needs to show the world what made him England's youngest ever goal scorer.
Suarez had seem unfazed by Daniel Sturridge's successful arrival at Anfield and the two synced in well, and Rooney needs to take a cue from him, and should let his performance give the manager some sleepless nights, worrying about his starting XI.
The two goal machines, need to re focus and get their guns blazing again, if not for their teams but in hopes of moving away next time.
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