Manchester United need to get things right this summer as they look to keep progressing under manager Erik ten Hag.
The Old Trafford outfit finished third in the Dutchman's first season at the helm, with United's task to now close the gap to Arsenal and Manchester City - as the likes of Newcastle United and Liverpool push for bigger and better at the same time. There are plenty of positions for United to bolster in the transfer window, amid a backdrop of utter takeover boredom.
Neither Sir Jim Ratcliffe nor Sheikh Jassim are yet to get a deal over the line to buy United from the Glazer family and supporters - understandably - are beyond fed up with the tedious and tiresome process. That is the major issue for the club to resolve, but the importance of incomings cannot be overstated.
Read next: United have done something Chelsea didn't expect in Mount transfer talks
United will be desperate to avoid any of the below, as Men Sport takes a look at the worst way the summer could unfold at Old Trafford...
Ten Hag doesn't get his striker
It seems ridiculous for a club of Manchester United's stature and size to be struggling in this department - but the club is crying out for a centre-forward they can rely on to produce big moments and score goals consistently. Erik ten Hag is desperate for one and if finances make it impossible to land Harry Kane or Victor Osimhen, United need to make sure they get the next best thing through the door. This is not something that can be neglected this summer. Kane or Osimhen would admittedly be ideal for United - two outstanding athletes and goal scorers - but there is very little point in pursuing something beyond reach. A clinical powerhouse is what United need leading the line. Finding one is quite simply paramount.
Takeover farce carries on and on and on...
This process will have United supporters tearing their hair out. It is beyond dull now, with no communication or clarity coming from the top as vague reports continue to spread on social media. Speculation is only serving to fuel the frustration among the fan base, who will have expected a solution way before now. Seven months on, neither Sheikh Jassim or Sir Jim Ratcliffe have secured a deal for United and you'd be a great optimist - at this stage - to believe that will change any time soon. On the pitch, Ten Hag wants to build and bolster his squad. The takeover saga cannot be impacting those plans positively, whatsoever.
Mount misses out on move and midfield search stalls
Amid the seemingly never-ending takeover process, one piece of business which did promise to get done quickly was Mason Mount to Manchester United. And to be fair to the Old Trafford club, they have been on the front foot with the deal - agreeing personal terms with the player and submitting three bids for the England international. This could have been signed and secured speedily, but Chelsea are holding out for a sizable £65million and United are having none of it. The club gets its fair share of criticism, but in this instance, you can side with United for feeling that the Blues are being unreasonable.
Mount - who has one year left on his contract - is seemingly keen on a move to Old Trafford, with a new deal at Stamford Bridge off the cards. All the talk around Mount has made him feel a United player practically. And while he does split opinion as a footballer, the addition would've been a real early boost for United and Ten Hag. If it were to fall through now, United would have to start from scratch with other players, agents and clubs. As we've seen more than enough times during transfer windows, United getting deals over the line is not as straightforward as you'd wish.
Players hang around
Incomings are key, but United undoubtedly need to shift players too. Alex Telles and Eric Bailly are both out of contract at Old Trafford next summer but United want to sell both, now. Erik ten Hag must also have frank discussions with the likes of Harry Maguire, Fred, Donny van de Beek, Anthony Martial, Brandon Williams, Anthony Elanga and returning goalkeeper Dean Henderson - over where their futures lie. United are looking to go to the next level under Ten Hag and - as has always been the case with football clubs - that involves leaving some players behind in order to progress.
Maguire's situation will be a main one to track this summer, along with United's goalkeeper of 12 years: David De Gea. The former saw his place in the pecking order slip towards the end of last season, after a post-World Cup resurgence. Despite Maguire's indifferent club form, his place in the England team has remained secure and respected. If the centre-back stays at Old Trafford, his slot in the Three Lions' back line could well be at its biggest risk yet.
And with De Gea, the time is perhaps now for the four-time Player of the Year winner to leave too - with the positive memories still in mind. United are reportedly offering him reduced terms, so there is a big decision for all parties to make. The 32-year-old has been a solid servant for the football club, but there's always a right time to let go.
