After a rollercoaster first six months at Manchester United, Erik ten Hag can finally see a calm route ahead.
No longer compromised by the shadow - and sideshow - of Cristiano Ronaldo's brooding presence in the background, Ten Hag can continue to build United in his vision. Ronaldo's uncertain future overshadowed Ten Hag's pre-season with United, then the campaign began with humiliating back-to-back defeats to Brighton and Brentford.
Calm was restored with victory over Liverpool, only for United to go down 6-3 at neighbours Manchester City, which left Ten Hag questioning the spirit and hunger of his players.