The relentlessness of the Premier League means success can only be sustained by evolving year on year.
Sir Alex Ferguson knew this best and always adapted his team accordingly in every transfer window. It could be argued that United have failed to do this since.
On paper, last year’s recruits were supposed to transform the team into title challengers, or at least top four certainties. But this season proved that evolution is not defined solely by the calibre of player a manager brings in, but also by the chemistry they have with the existing squad.
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Chelsea were another case in point with former Old Trafford striker Romelu Lukaku. Trying to build on last year’s Champions League success, ultimately the attacker proved more of a hindrance than a help.
Conversely, after winning the title in the 2020/21 season, Manchester City brought in Jack Grealish for £100m and won the league again this campaign. Now they have brought in Erling Haaland to keep the momentum going.
Liverpool brought in Thiago and Luis Diaz in the 18 months after their 2020 maiden Premier League win. They fit into Jurgen Klopp’s mould seamlessly and were consequently on the cusp of a quadruple this season.
They now look set to allow Sadio Mane to leave for Bayern Munich and have already replaced him with Darwin Nunez. Meanwhile, United are no further forward from their last trophy success - the Europa League - five years ago.
Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold noted this and how it is vital for clubs at the top to keep progressing or risk falling by the wayside.
Speaking after his side’s FA Cup triumph over Chelsea last month, he said: “Growing up, I remember looking at Man United and thinking what it would be like to be them going for league titles every year, Champions League trophies every year.
“They’re probably thinking, ‘We shouldn’t have taken that sustained period of success for granted because now it seems like we’re far away from it’.
“For us fans and players, we can’t get complacent and just get used to it. We’ve got to enjoy the game for as long as we can because it won’t last forever.”
His words come as a warning to new United boss Erik ten Hag. When he finds his winning formula, he must continue to shape and adapt his side. While his three successive Dutch titles rightly deserve ample plaudits, the Eredivisie is less demanding of evolution in order to stay at the top.
If Ten Hag is to create a dynasty at United, he must refrain from resting on his laurels and continue to make ambitious moves in the transfer market in the years ahead. Part of his job will be to ensure he moves personnel on before their sell-by date and replenishes his stock with fresher and progressive talents. More aptly, they need to have the right mentality coming in, which could prove all the difference during his tenure.
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