Manchester United are preparing to enter phase two of the Erik ten Hag era, after a season of encouraging progress and valuable learning.
It rarely happens in the first year; the process has to begin, be bought into, allowed to breathe and believed in - with the bright lights and silverware always the motivation. United are still trying to return to the number one spot in English football, with the noisy neighbours from the other side of the city still very much on that pedestal and showing no signs of stepping down.
So, for now, United must trust ten Hag and his decision making and control what they can control. Admittedly the takeover saga bubbling away in the background is little help to anyone, given the significance of the upcoming summer transfer window at Old Trafford. But this window is one United have to get right and an opportunity to close that daunting gap to Guardiola's relentless blue machine.
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Speculation will always be rife around United but it is quite clear that Ten Hag wants to improve his side right the way through the spine- with goalkeepers, centre back, central midfielders and a striker all potential additions. The Dutchman has a lot of good things to work with at present, but United must now give backing to a manager who has earned it.
And Saturday's FA Cup final defeat perhaps showed the value another top class midfield operator could bring. United feel like an unfinished jigsaw in the middle of the park right now - with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes crying out for a third musketeer. Christian Eriksen is a wonderful footballer and the commitment of Fred and Scott McTominay can very rarely be questioned but as Ilkay Gundogan led the way at Wembley, backed up by Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri and even John Stones - the realisation perhaps dawned on United that now has to be the time to complete the puzzle. Sentiment may have to be parked and tough calls made. Part of progression is always letting go at the right time.
Gundogan is the ideal example. A somewhat silent assassin, gliding around and going about his work with minimal fuss; the best always make it look easy. Gundogan, alongside Rodri and De Bruyne, makes it a perfect European trio for Guardiola. Technically faultless, intelligent in all thirds of the pitch and a leader, bringing great care and clarity to every moment on the pitch.
United won't be signing Gundogan and so the admiration can stop there, but his role in City's side feels like an appropriate example to use. Ten Hag is on the hunt for someone with plenty of power in the legs. Links to Mason Mount are rife, while Moises Caicedo and Adrien Rabiot have also been talked about in the media. And while those physical traits are vital in midfield, it's the next level of quality which United need first and foremost.
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