this is a completely different situation
1) United are now in the crapper. they need to spend big to get back into Champs League, and they need to impress their fans
2) A guys like LvG will be more easily able to bring in the Martinez's of this world than would a David Moyes
3) This might be their last chance to spend big, given that they still have Champs League money. If they don't make Champs League next season, they might start to feel the pinch of FFP on their high cost base