At one point this season, some were including Manchester United in the title race.
Erik ten Hag stayed coy and then in March, when United had fallen further back from Arsenal and Manchester City, revealed his true thoughts on their chances of the title.
"I think we have made good progress but we have to acknowledge there is still a gap. I couldn't expect we would close that gap that quickly,” he said.
The mere suggestion United were in with a shout of the crown showed how much Ten Hag had transformed United. Ultimately, the number of areas that needed strengthening soon saw the Reds tail off.
ALSO READ: David Raya issues Brentford transfer plea
A lack of goalscoring support for Marcus Rashford, a good back-up for Casemiro and ample reinforcement at centre-back saw United lose pace and at one stage briefly drop out of the top four.
David de Gea’s mistakes led to the ambiguous situation he currently finds himself in. He is increasingly likely to leave Old Trafford with negotiations regarding a reduced-terms renewal taking a turn.
Finding a quality replacement between the sticks is never easy but there is one potential option that has had his hand up for a while. David Raya has rejected several contract offers from Brentford and looks set to leave the Bees this summer.
He wants to move to a big-hitter where he feels he will get the game time he wants, which is perhaps why Tottenham have been most linked. But the latest De Gea developments open United’s door.
What’s more, the Reds can offer a better platform to help the Spaniard achieve his career goals, having reiterated them again this week.
“I have ambitions to make the next step in my career,” he said. “I want to try to win titles and compete in Europe in the next couple of years. I’m 27 now and I feel like I’m at the point in my career when I want to make that step up. There are options out there but it’s not just my ambitions, the club also needs to let me go.
“I’m a professional. If I end up staying at Brentford I will always give my all, that’s my job. If I have to stay, I’ll try to have an even better season than last season.”
The last lines may be of encouragement to Ten Hag as it shows Raya has the mentality to be a United player.
Also, if United decide they want to move for him and do indeed convince him to sign then, given Raya's comments, it would show Ten Hag has brought the club back to the level he intended in becoming a real force that can challenge for the big honours - in the eyes of players.
Ten Hag admitted before the end of the season that United had received increased transfer interest due to their Champions League position. Ultimately, the Raya deal may come down to cost should United decide to make a bid.
Brentford want £40m for their man, who is still contracted to them for another year. After the final day win over Fulham, Ten Hag said: "The club knows that if you want to play top four, if you want to compete for trophies in this tough league, you have to invest, otherwise you won't progress because other clubs will."
A move for the Brentford man is not out of the question should Ten Hag be backed in the market, with a striker and a midfielder also on the agenda. If Raya shows a willingness to come to Old Trafford should United register their interest, it would prove Ten Hag is on the right track and is well on his way to making United a force again.
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