There can be no underestimating the enormity of Erik ten Hag's task of rebuilding Manchester United. Not only does he need to break old habits, win over a fan base, set high standards, and restore self-belief, but he also has to do so while assembling a new-look squad at a time when his every move is being heavily scrutinised by the eyes of the world.
The opening day defeat by Brighton was disappointing, but not a disaster, and although some of the reaction to it has been extreme, it has at least burst the bubble from pre-season and reiterated just how big a job the new manager has on his hands.
The main goal for any new manager at Old Trafford is always the same. The fact that they have been hired typically means something has gone wrong previously, so their first job is to stabilise a sinking ship, get fresh supplies, and then set sail on a new path with the ambition of winning the Premier League.
RABIOT LATEST: United agree fee but face task of negotiating with his mother
That is the basic blueprint for Ten Hag too, but he also has the additional task of rebuilding a squad that has been long overdue a ruthless clear out and is in need of a new identity after a summer in which so many senior players left for free.
It means that Ten Hag not only needs to reinforce his side with new signings before deadline day, but he also needs to bring in players with the right characteristics to improve a dressing room that is in transition.
Over-30s Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic, Edinson Cavani and Lee Grant all left the club upon the expiration of their contracts. It helped gave Ten Hag the clean slate required but also saw his dressing room rid of a key group of leaders.
It is this need for fresh leadership that certainly works in Adrien Rabiot's favour as United continue to work on a deal for his signature this summer.
United have agreed a fee of £15million rising to £20m with Juventus for the midfielder but have to negotiate personal terms with the player's agent - his mother. Sources say Rabiot's mother, Veronique, is the "only stumbling block" to the deal going through.
Rabiot, 27, has won six top-flight league titles in his career, as well as domestic cups in both Italy and France. In fact, he won 18 trophies during his time at Paris Saint-Germain, triumphs that will have given him a lot of priceless experience, even if his side were heavy favourites to win most of them.
It is clear to see why Ten Hag thinks the Frenchman could be a worthy addition to his squad and an upgrade on those already there, even if he is not the elite midfielder initially targeted this summer.
The risk is that while Rabiot's experience could have a positive impact on the dressing room, so could the baggage he carries with him, and he could potentially upset the dressing room balance given previous accusations of unprofessionalism and being difficult to work with.
His signing would certainly be considered a gamble, and Ten Hag would need to work wonders to extract the true potential from a player who is still suffering from an identity crisis in regards to what type of player he really is.
"He is a complete player, I have rarely seen someone so strong both physically and technically," his former manager Andrea Pirlo said of Rabiot just two years ago. "He doesn't even know the potential for improvement he can have, and we work on the mental side of things to make him understand that he is a champion. He is improving game after game."
It is unlocking that untapped potential that could define the success of Ten Hag's first season in charge of the club, and it is testament to the manager that he feels it is a risk worth taking.
There is no reward without risk, and Rabiot could be the biggest gamble they take this summer.
READ NEXT:
