Erik ten Hag arrived at Manchester tasked with a rebuild following a poor season that saw them finish sixth in the Premier League.
But, four weeks after being unveiled, no new signings have arrived, which is less than ideal. Couple that with several notable departures and suddenly United's squad looks even more underpowered with pre-season creeping up upon the Dutch manager.
As it stands he will be working purely with players he has inherited - many of whom have been subjected to major criticism with some suggesting they aren't up to scratch. Ten Hag certainly has his targets, in fact he's told club chiefs he wants five signings this summer, but securing them has been the bigger problem as the club's history of being less than stellar in the market continues to bear fruit.
That could yet prove problematic with a reduction in time often leading to an increase in desperation - which, as fans will know all too well, is nothing new at Old Trafford. Ten Hag's squad needs reinforcements in almost every area and it may be a case of prioritising this summer.
The club could still strike gold in the market, although their negotiations thus far suggest that won't be the case. It means they may have to explore other avenues which means they end up with targets who were far from first choice. As a result Mirror Football has taken a look at who Ten Hag's five signings could be - from the very best scenario to a doomsday one.
Best case scenario - De Jong, Antony, Timber, Phillips, Eriksen
Frenkie De Jong has been the most talked about man this summer and, yet, he's still not a United player. He has worked with Ten Hag previously at Ajax and failing to sign a central midfielder was seen as a major error last summer. This has only been exacerbated by several notable departures.
Barcelona are striking a tough bargain and are determined to drive up the price which may prove problematic. Adding a new centre-half is also key with Harry Maguire copping major criticism. Already it seems as though Ten Hag's top target, Jurrien Timber, will not be following him.
The Ajax defender has told his former boss that he won't be leaving Amsterdam with Louis van Gaal weighing in on the issue. But this is a dream scenario in which the centre-back would arrive.
Kalvin Phillips and Christian Eriksen, at Leeds United and Brentford respectively, are both seen as acquirable. Eriksen has a decision to make on his future with his contract in west London ending whilst Phillips would cost around £50m.
Moving from Yorkshire to Lancashire would certainly cause huge anger amongst Leeds fan, which further puts the move in doubt. Another Ajax star in Antony looks to be the man most likely to follow Ten Hag with discussions reportedly underway.
Those five signings would mark a fantastic window for United. But the best case scenario isn't always the most realistic.
Realistic scenario - De Jong, Antony, Martinez, Eriksen, Aarons
Their pursuit of De Jong, coupled with Barcelona's financial situation, could yet see them strike a deal for the Dutch star - but other moves may not materialise. With Timber no longer a viable option Ten Hag could look to the man who plays alongside him at Ajax - Lisandro Martinez.
The centre-half is also on Arsenal's radar, but with both clubs lacking the lure of Champions League football winning the race is no guarantee. Full-back is an area where few - if any - of United's players stepped up last term which remains a concern.
Luke Shaw, Alex Telles and Aaron Wan-Bissaka all saw their performances questioned which may force Ten Hag into the market for reinforcements in that area. Norwich City's Max Aarons has now twice been relegated with the Canaries but has been a rare bright light at Carrow Road.
United, whilst being linked with young talent for decades, have in recent years gone after players who on paper seem good moves, but weren't always their first picks. That has rang alarm bells and often been their downfall.
Eriksen, for now, seems a realistic addition. As does Antony. And in fairness, even a window that ends like this would be a very positive one.
Doomsday scenario - Neves, Richarlison, Martinez, Nkunku, Dembele
Picture the scene - the season opener is less than a fortnight away - United are yet to make a statement or make any meaningful signings. De Jong is now a pipe dream and all of a sudden a £60m bid for Ruben Neves goes in. The Wolves man may be a quality player and a good signing. But it's a panicked one.
It is a similar sense with Martinez - behind the likes of Timber and perhaps Villarreal's Pau Torres - yet he becomes the only man on their shortlist who is willing to move to Old Trafford.
The club also want to ignite a sense of excitement - an age old tactic at Old Trafford. So they go after a big name who, realistically, they don't need or isn't a long-term option. Donny van de Beek a case in point; talented but was never going to usurp Bruno Fernandes.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains on the books and, should he stay, will surely command the No.9 role. So with the likes of Richarlison and Moussa Dembele on the market United may revert to type and add some firepower to boost their chances in the final third.
Have Your Say! Which areas to Man Utd need to bolster ? Tell us what you think here.
To add some star dust the club pursue Christopher Nkunku - a 24-year-old who scored 35 times last term for RB Leipzig - is signed. But the question remains, just have the club thought about how Nkunku will develop further in their first-team? Ronaldo remains, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford are looking to assert themselves, Anthony Elanga has a bright future.
Nkunku could be yet another highly-rated, expensively acquired individual whose career progression plateaued because he was signed by a club, desperate to make a statement, but without much thought of how it'll work.
