There has been a distinct 'nearly but not quite' feel about much of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era at Manchester United.
Not only in terms of missing out on the major honours but their perpetual state of transition, of always being a signing or two away from restoring old glories.
While Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool have all zoomed past them to win Premier League and European titles, eight years of managerial changes and poor recruitment have held United back.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can be pleased with Manchester United's summer recruitment but knows he still has plenty of work to do before the new season kicks off in just a few weeks' time
The Norwegian has extended his United contract until 2024 ahead of the forthcoming season
David Moyes stood little chance under the white-hot scrutiny of succeeding Ferguson, even while inheriting a declining squad.
Louis van Gaal demanded a complete overhaul that led to scattergun signings and everything had to be ripped up yet again for Jose Mourinho with enormous sums lavished.
But finally, under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who extended his contract until 2024 last week, there does seem to be some method to United's recruitment.
It's been slow and steady progress under the Norwegian club legend, who first came to the club 25 years ago this week, and he has yet to deliver a trophy - but at least much of it makes sense.
There has been an emphasis in the main on recruiting talented young players who still have development potential, while areas of weakness are identified and strengthened.
United have already wrapped up the signing of Jadon Sancho for £73million from Dortmund, and have now sealed a deal for Real Madrid and France defender Raphael Varane (right)
With Jadon Sancho bought from Borussia Dortmund for £73million, significantly less than his price tag was 12 months ago, United have addressed a perceived weak link on the right side of their attack.
Boasting attacking options including Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Greenwood and Edinson Cavani, they can claim to have one of the best forward lines in the Premier League.
And with a £42m deal for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane confirmed by the club and all but finalised, Solskjaer has successfully plugged the glaring weakness at the heart of his defence. Captain Harry Maguire will have a partner who is a proven winner and world class at his art.
The outlay is a significant statement of intent but it ramps up the pressure on Solskjaer ahead of the new season. That silverware must come now, he can no longer fall back on the excuse that United 'need reinforcements' or are 'still building'.
So as the new campaign approaches, what else is there for Solskjaer to sort out?
Solve the Pogba puzzle
United have done well to avoid another transfer saga with Sancho this summer but they could yet find themselves immersed in one with a player departing Old Trafford.
Paul Pogba has one year remaining on his contract and if United want to recoup any of that world record £89mthey paid for him back in 2016, they need to sell now.
The outlay on Sancho and Varane, around £115m, makes an expected fee of £43m or more for the French midfielder, linked strongly with Paris Saint-Germain, all the more essential.
Solskjaer must decide whether to cash in on Paul Pogba as his contract enters its last year
But it remains a dilemma for Solskjaer, who will feel Pogba enjoyed a pretty good season for United in 2020-21 and then performed very well for France at Euro 2020.
Is this the springboard for Pogba to finally deliver in United colours and inspire them to the Premier League title, or just another false dawn?
After all, we've waited five years for him to deliver and all he's won with United is the EFL Cup and the Europa League in 2017, with plenty of lost semi-finals and finals along the way.
Then there's the possibility of Pogba sulking or his meddlesome agent Mino Raiola lobbing more verbal grenades at vital points in the season.
On balance, it's probably time for United to cut their losses on Pogba and ensure they receive some money this year rather than see him depart for nothing in 2022. It could save them plenty of hassle too.
Midfield is the next priority
Regardless of whether or not Pogba is sold, United's next priority in the transfer market must be to sign another midfielder.
It wasn't their Achilles heel last season but remained a nagging concern. Particularly when Pogba was out injured, they were guilty of being too conservative with Solskjaer opting for two holding midfielders against modest opposition.
United need someone to link front and back, an accomplished passer who can link with Bruno Fernandes in the No 10 role or ping ball into wide areas for the speedy players to chase.
Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid is a midfield target as United look to further strengthen; it was a baffling first season at Old Trafford for Donny van de Beek (right), whose play was limited
They were linked with the £80m-valued Declan Rice of West Ham but he isn't really what they need. Atletico Madrid's Saul Niguez, who could be available for £45m, would be more like it as a long-term Pogba replacement.
It would be a good price for a Spain international who is hugely experienced in Champions League football and is contracted to Atletico until 2026.
Bringing in Saul would make Solskjaer feel a lot better because if Pogba were to go, his midfield options of Scott McTominay, Fred, Nemanja Matic and Donny van de Beek are, unfortunately, not title-winning class.
After making the right purchases in attack and at centre-back, it would be criminal to then allow the midfield to become the area of weakness.
Trippier could add further strength
One feature of Ferguson's greatest United sides was that they generally had two top quality players in each position.
Atletico Madrid and England right-back Kieran Trippier is another summer target
The constant flux of the past eight
