Mauricio Pochettino and Harry Kane or Erik ten Hag and Ryan Gravenberch? No, this wasn't some rather elaborate football-themed Royal Rumble. Manchester United had a straight choice to make in the dugout. On the other hand, in the market, their impending selection might not be so simple - or desirable.
It was supposed to be a season for progression at Old Trafford and beyond. Alas, that could subsequently be billed as regression, at best, when it comes to sorting out packaging for the annual DVD review.
A swift move to the bargain bin will be in the offing, there. This really has been a trudge for dedicated match-goers and those who, simultaneously, observe from afar on TV or social media.
READ MORE: Ajax expect Erik ten Hag to be appointed Manchester United manager
With no trophies to add to the decorated yet dust-gathering cabinet, top four appears distant despite dreams (if you can call them that) being revived by a defeat for Arsenal at Crystal Palace. That was certainly enough to lighten the mood for Gary Neville as he poked fun on social media. So, too, it appears does Paris Saint-Germain coach Pochettino and his Premier League managerial credentials.
Neville has championed Pochettino from the start. But while the Argentine might have overhauled Ten Hag to be the chosen one, that temptation - which would have come with a £120m transfer 'guarantee' - has seemingly been overlooked as Ajax expect their own saviour to join United for another salvage mission.
You could picture the scene; Pochettino sworn in to bring the good times back while he poses for photographers standing side-by-side with shiny new signing Kane. Hold that back for another DVD or digital-age equivalent after their success together at Tottenham.
Gravenberch will, possibly, be there for the same reason should Ten Hag officially get the nod. Fans have seen it all before and, for change to come, they know all too well it won't arrive from one or two hefty pay packets.
That might seem a little harsh on Pochettino and Ten Hag. However, this is not the first time United are setting stalls out for a fresh start post-Sir Alex Ferguson and, regrettably, it (probably) won't be the last.
No doubt would Kane and/or Gravenberch strengthen the squad. Still, the short-term advantages appointing either of their mentors present had to be secondary when it comes to long-term aims. If they, as reported, see Ten Hag as the standout choice, that must take precedent over lust to sign Kane. Vice versa with Pochettino and Gravenberch. It seemingly has.
As things stand, Gravenberch as a signing makes greater sense, anyway. Okay, he is not quite the holding midfielder United are set to prioritise, but with Paul Pogba having one foot out of the door - if not both - the Netherlands star is a perfect choice to replace him.
Kane comes into the equation if that man Cristiano Ronaldo leaves. Not before. As much as it would be enough to whet the goalscoring appetite, fitting them both into the same line-up would take some doing.
Even if Ronaldo's second coming does end after 12 months, where would that leave Bruno Fernandes? Putting pen to paper on a contract extension, the plan appears to centre around him. Kane and his tendencies to drop into that number 10 position might, perhaps, present a clash of chemistry and style.
Pochettino, too, comes with baggage - and not predominately silverware. If we are to continue the realms of script following, Ten Hag and Gravenberch would have to be the choice, both individually and collectively. Ultimately, though, that comes on a case-by-case need.
Before looking ahead to who or what might follow, United needed to get their first - and most important - coin flip right. Judging by the reaction from supporters, they have done exactly that.
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