Erik ten Hag appears to have Manchester United back on track after a disastrous start to the season saw them lose their opening two games in humiliating fashion.
Four wins later, two of which came against fellow big-six opposition in Liverpool and Arsenal, however, has restored some desperately needed good-feeling around Old Trafford. United sit fifth in the Premier League table, one point behind Brighton who are one place above them.
A quick glance at the table and a certain aspect of United's form so far this term is immediately notable - their form in front of goal. The Red Devils currently have a goal difference of zero and have netted the joint-fewest amount of goals of all the sides in the top half of the table with eight.
This is something that could have potentially been improved upon had Ten Hag listened to the advice issued to him by former United star and two-time Premier League winner, Paul Parker. Once Cristiano Ronaldo's desire to leave became clear, Parker explained how United should respond with their own transfer dealings.
"I think United are going to have to do their homework and they're going to have to find someone who's got enough drive in them, who wants to score goals, who wants to play for Manchester United, who wants to make his name and become a great for Manchester United," he told the Express.
"A bit like a Ruud van Nistelrooy. Van Nistelrooy was known as a goalscorer but he made his name, he established himself when he came to a big club like Manchester United at the time and he made it. Manchester United put him up there in the limelight.
"I don't want to hear [Robert] Lewandowski, Harry Kane and all that. United don't need that. They don't need another 30-plus centre-forward at this moment in time. They just need a workaholic, back to basics as such."
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United saw out the rest of the window without signing a new striker, the most attacking addition coming in the form of ex-Ajax winger Antony for an eye-watering £85million fee.
The Red Devils did manage to keep hold of Ronaldo, though it must be said United were hardly inundated with offers for the 37-year-old. Ten Hag is hardly keen on actually using the forward it must be said, with Ronaldo failing to start a league game since the 4-0 humiliation at Brentford in mid-August.
Instead, Marcus Rashford is currently being favoured as United's centre-forward. The England international has bagged nearly half of his side's goals so far this term, but their attacking woes as a collective are on show for all to see.
Ten Hag's troops have won just one game all season by more than a one-goal margin, which came during their 3-1 victory at home to Arsenal earlier this month. While spirits are high at the moment, the data shows United could live to regret ignoring Parker's transfer advice.
