It might have been a dark season for Manchester United fans, but there is light at the end of the tunnel as the club gets closer to beginning a new era under Erik ten Hag. Nobody knows quite what to expect from the 52-year-old in his first few months at Old Trafford, but it is this slight trepidation that also brings with it the excitement of the unknown.
Ten Hag's arrival will not only bring a fresh beginning, but it could also provide the clean slate needed for a number of players to revive their United careers and, in turn, help solve the long list of squad repairs needed at the end of the season.
Ralf Rangnick might outlandishly state that United need as many as ten new signings this summer, but the hard truth is that it is simply not going to happen, particularly not at a club like United where transfer and agent fees are increased as soon as their name comes into discussion.
READ MORE: Manchester United's perfect summer transfer window after Erik ten Hag appointment
United will more likely sign three or four players this summer, and as a result, some areas of the pitch will simply have to be overlooked. There is a desire to add two new midfielders, a younger forward and a centre-back, while there is also a wish to sign a right-sided forward, a versatile full-back and potentially another goalkeeper.
It means United will need to look at internal solutions this summer, and Norwich loanee Brandon Williams could well provide one of the answers.
Although all of the full-backs currently at the club have their obvious shortcomings, United have a greater need to sign a striker, midfielder, and central defender this summer, meaning full-back positions could still need renovation heading into next year.
Following his decent loan spell at Carrow Road this season, Williams, 21, could therefore be a beneficiary.
The young full-back has made 27 appearances for the Norfolk club in all competitions this season and, although he has hardly set the world alight, he has continued with his progress as a top-flight footballer, gaining valuable experience away from the bubble of Old Trafford.
Williams surprised United coaches with his initial breakthrough under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, usurping highly-rated Ethan Laird in the youth system to secure a senior spot, doing so on the left-hand side of defence despite coming through the academy as a right-back.
He has made 50 appearances for United in his career so far and, at the age of 21, still has plenty of time on his side to improve his game and could well represent a diamond in the rough for Ten Hag.
There were concerns during his formative years that Williams displayed a bit too much aggression on the pitch, finding it hard to keep his cool during key moments of the game, though such displays of passion endeared him to the United supporters who have grown tired of undercooked performances this season.
Williams might not be the most gifted young full-back in English football, but he does have heart, something every great United full-back has had in abundance.
There might be a long-term desire for a playmaker in defence who can rival João Cancelo, Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold, but if the budget doesn't stretch this summer, then a local lad from Harpurhey dedicated to the club could certainly be a short-term solution.
"What I want to do next year is play for Manchester United at left back and that's my job," Williams told the Canaries' matchday programme for their clash with Newcastle United on Saturday. "That's what I'm determined to do because it's my life and I'll do anything for that.
"I know I can play in this league, and I know I can get to the top and that's what I want to do."
In a summer where so many players are looking to leave United, it is refreshing to hear of someone who still views playing for the club as the pinnacle of their career.
He might not be the long-term answer for United, but he can't be any worse than those who have failed already this season.
