Manchester United's takeover is by no means complete but it certainly feels as though progress is being made.
Varying reports have suggested Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is in a strong position with Reuters claiming on Thursday he was on the verge of being handed exclusivity by the Glazer Family. Other sources disputed these reports with Sir Jim Ratcliffe still in the hunt for United.
No matter who takes charge, they must rectify some of the problems which the current ownership have allowed to fester under their tenure. Improvements are required on and off the pitch and will require financial investment.
And back in January, former United midfielder Jesse Lingard summarised the biggest challenge which any new owner must address.
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"You know what it is, I think they’re so behind with everything," he told the Diary of a CEO podcast. "You see [Manchester] City’s facilities, you see Tottenham’s facilities when we go there with England and train at Tottenham, like people are miles ahead.
"Even the social side of things and that. I went to them like 2017 about YouTube and doing content, but they’re so behind on everything. I just want them to get up to date with the new things that are happening, the things that are popping. You’ve got to be relevant, you’ve got to stay relevant."
While supporters may argue the benefits of being a force on YouTube or not, Lingard summarised perfectly a larger worry for United. For too long, the club has allowed themselves to slip behind their rivals.
Under the Glazers' ownership, Manchester City have surpassed United as the go to destination in the north west. To be on a par with the likes of City, any new owner will have to spend to modernise the club. The scale of the challenge should not be underestimated but, if the new owner hits the ground running, the slide can be reversible.
A Manchester Evening News special souvenir edition - Fergie's First - charts United's 1992/93 title-winning campaign and you can get your hands on one here
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