Ex-Manchester United defender Paul Parker feels his old club can push on next season, but that off-the-field matters need to be sorted as soon as possible.
The takeover saga at Old Trafford is still ongoing, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim the two leading candidates to buy Man United. The latter is claimed to have launched a fourth bid on Tuesday, around the £5billion mark - though the Glazer family are said to value the club at £6bn.
On the pitch, it has been a season of improvement under Erik ten Hag, with a top four finish within touching distance for United - who need a draw at home to Chelsea on Thursday to secure it. And Parker - who wore United colours between 1991 and 1996 - feels there is plenty of reason for optimism at Old Trafford, but that this coming transfer window is absolutely crucial.
Also read: Inside story of how Sir Alex Ferguson inspired European success
The former defender says that Erik ten Hag will want to bring fresh faces into his squad as early as possible this summer - meaning the takeover needs to be finalised quickly.
"Only if everything gets sorted out and he can actually go and start buying players who can turn up on the first day of pre-season," said Parker, when asked by MEN Sport if he feels United are on their way back. "If that happens, then that says United have got an opportunity to get on their way back to where they should be. And there are no excuses then, to be perfectly honest.
"It doesn't just happen overnight, but they would be in a better place than last season. And they have done quite well this season, so they will definitely be a lot better than they were from 2013 onwards."
United were busy last summer, spending big on the likes of Antony, Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez - while also bringing in Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen. Another strong window is needed ahead of 2023/24 and Parker believes that early business can make a massive difference.
"Yeah, it does," said Parker. "Rather than players turning up - it's why a lot of players will be given a little bit more time after this season. I think Malacia will be better for it; feeling what it is like to be that far away from home and in that city.
"I think Antony will be better. I am hoping he is better and grows into it to become that way. I felt better in my second season, after being there for a summer as well."
READ MORE:
