After Manchester United accrued their record-low points total in the Premier League last season, taking charge and turning the team's fortunes around was always going to be a challenge for new manager Erik ten Hag.
And the Dutchman's task has been complicated further this week, following the bombshell news that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to jump ship at Old Trafford just a year into his second stint at the club.
For Ten Hag, a wantaway player of such immense profile is far from ideal as he continues getting ready for the new season. Factor in the club's frustration in the transfer market - most notably the slow progress in pursuit of Frenkie de Jong - and it means preparation has been far from ideal for the new campaign.
