Louis van Gaal suggests it will not be until next season when we see the best of Manchester United's summer signings.
The Red Devils spent more than £150million on players to coincide with the arrival of the Dutch tactician at Old Trafford but the new influx have failed to fire thus far.
There has been plenty of criticism pointed at £59.7m recruit Angel Di Maria and expensive loan signing Radamel Falcao but van Gaal feels they will not produce their best before they are 12 months into their United careers.
"It counts for all the players. The first season is always difficult. You can see it with every player we have bought, (Luke) Shaw, (Daley) Blind, (Ander) Herrera, (Marcos) Rojo, Falcao and Di Maria," said van Gaal ahead of Wednesday night's meeting with Newcastle United.
"It is not a big surprise. It would be more a surprise if they adapted very quickly.
"I have experienced this in the Netherlands, Spain and Germany. It has been the same experience with other players.
"We have to give them time. It is the same for all the player. We wait and see.
"How players adapt is dependable on the individual. You also have to manage so many different aspects. You have to manage things in the match and cultures off the field.
"You cannot give a general answer to how long it takes for a player to adapt...but the general answer is one year!"
