Regardless of how Manchester United's season ends, Erik ten Hag should be able to count it as a success.
The former Ajax manager has already given fans a trophy win to celebrate after a victory over Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final, and it might not be the last of the current campaign. A top four finish is also a strong possibility - a far cry from the misery last term under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick as United finished with their lowest ever Premier League points tally.
While Ten Hag arrived with high hopes after being confirmed as manager one year ago today, the struggles last season left some fearing success might take a little longer. Even football director John Murtough appeared to hedge his bets when announcing the Dutchman's appointment, though it appears there was nothing to worry about.
"During the past four years at Ajax, Erik has proved himself to be one of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe, renowned for his team’s attractive, attacking football and commitment to youth," Murtough said of Ten Hag. There was a sense that, even if trophies didn't immediately arrive, a return to a popular style of football could tide over fans frustrated by the lack of on-field success.
“In our conversations with Erik leading up to this appointment, we were deeply impressed with his long-term vision for returning Manchester United to the level we want to be competing at, and his drive and determination to achieve that," he added. Note the stress on the "long-term vision" - a lack of trophies wouldn't be the end of the world by any means.
In the end, they needn't have worried. Not only has Ten Hag already ended a six-year trophy drought, but he has the team in place to challenge for more honours both this year and next, even if some don't yet see United as Premier League title challengers.
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Perhaps the biggest sign of Ten Hag's success in England can be seen in the attitude of the Manchester United Supporters' Trust to his impact. Amid takeover talks, the group insisted any potential buyer would need to provide assurances that Ten Hag would be allowed to stay and finish what he started.
"Everyone can see the progress the team is making under Erik Ten Hag," MUST said in a February statement. "After the frustrations of the last decade, it is clear that enormous strides are being taken. Any prospective bidder needs to explicitly commit to backing Erik and his plans to restore United to glory."
United are due to take on Brighton at Wembley on Sunday as they look to keep alive their hopes of winning both domestic cups. After that comes a trip to Tottenham, where three points would given Ten Hag's team a massive boost in the race for a top four finish.
