If Manchester United wanted a true test of the progress they have made this season, then they will get it over the next week when they face Barcelona twice in their Europa League play-off tie.
United have shown undeniable improvement since Erik ten Hag arrived, but it still feels like there is work to be done before they are back amongst Europe's elite. A two-legged encounter against La Liga's leaders provides another opportunity to do just that, and no matter the outcome, it will shed further light on where United currently are in their rebuild.
In the long run, Ten Hag wants his side to go toe-to-toe with the very best teams and beat them at their own game, but in this first season of transition, he has found that the best way to get positive results has been by embracing their underdog status.
