There appear to be mixed messages coming from the other end of the M62, providing a golden opportunity for Liverpool to snatch back their Champions League spot
13 months on since Erik ten Hag's famous 'eras come to an end' quip, the red half of Manchester have had some success to shout about - Carabao Cup victory, qualification for Europe's premier competition at the expense of Liverpool, no less.
However a lesson that has been best taught by their bitter rivals, Manchester City, is it's not so much about what you do when reaching a milestone, more so how fast the next step is taken.
The Reds have learned that the hard way during the 2022/23 campaign, granted, though on the surface that appears to be something a strategic spree in the transfer market would fix.
The first event to take place in the timeline was United's publishing of their financial results for the third quarter. Their overall revenue increased by 11% and commercial revenue by £3.8 million, however what means to their transfer funds this summer appears to be a contentious point amongst everything that is going on.
The Manchester Evening News say that ten Hag will not be hampered in his efforts to further strengthen his squad, with in excess of £100 million to spend plus any cash generated from sales. On the other hand, the Daily Star state that the budget will be squeezed in an attempt to abide by Financial Fair Play restrictions.
All of this comes amid United's ongoing ownership debacle, as the Glazer family decide what to do with bids to take a controlling stake of the club from Sheikh Jassim of Qatar and British Businessman Sir Jim Ratcliffe. A section of supporters have reached breaking point over this issue, with over 100 protesting outside of Old Trafford earlier on Tuesday.
But, whatever the outcome, Manchester United's problems are deeper rooted than their rivals, and Jurgen Klopp's men must be ready to take advantage when the Premier League gets underway again.
In the short term this means striking correctly in the transfer market, with the Red biding their time in current pursuits.
A lack of concrete activity in the market is largely down to a number of key midfield targets participating for their countries at this summer's under-21 European Championships, but once that is out of the way, movement will be expected.
