Manchester United fans have been through some of the lowest lows over the past couple of years but thankfully, Erik ten Hag is changing things for the better one game at a time.
There's only so much the manager can do without the backing of the owners - more so when it comes to transfers. And ironically enough, most of Man United's problems could be solved simply by signing the right players.
Unfortunately, the Glazers haven't been the most generous as far as splurging on transfers are concerned. It could be argued that they've spent world-record fees to bring in the likes of Paul Pogba and Harry Maguire but how have they fared, really?
Now that the takeover has stalled - and both Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim are as clueless as we are - let's take a look at how our starting XI could change in the next 2-3 years if the Glazers remain in charge.
GK: Andre Onana
Andre Onana is the definition of a modern-day keeper, what with his snazzy ball-playing abilities from the back. He was brought in as a long-term project and personally chosen by Ten Hag.
With a contract that runs till at least 2028, Onana is going nowhere as he attempts to fill in a major gap left by David De Gea.
RB: Diogo Dalot
Like Onana, Diogo Dalot recently signed a new contract that keeps him at the club till 2028. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, his only real competition for that spot, is contracted only till next summer. There have been talks of an extension but only an existing option for another year.
That suggests Dalot has been earmarked as the one for the future. Considering the Portuguese's attacking skills - a requirement for the modern game - are superior to Wan-Bissaka's, we believe Dalot will be here for the future.
Also, Dalot is only 24 and his passion for winning is a beautiful thing. If he continues to keep his head down and improve on the field, the potential is huge.
🃏 READ ALSO: One marquee signing Man United need to make if Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes over after Glazers
CB: Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro Martinez has become a mainstay in the XI despite initial hiccups, endearing himself to the Old Trafford faithful.
He's our most aggressive and deadly centre-back - someone who's unafraid to take challenges head-on. A hard worker on the field, Licha's season last season was cut short due to an injury towards the final stages. Had he been fit, Man United could have finished 2022/23 on a stronger note.
Nevertheless, he's among Ten Hag's favourites for a good reason and he's not likely to drop down the pecking order.
CB: Axel Disasi
Axel Disasi was strongly linked with a move to Man United this summer. In fact, earlier in July, the reliable Fabrizio Romano reported that Ten Hag gave his 'approval' for the club to pursue the centre-back.
Unfortunately, due to budgetary constraints, the Red Devils may sit out this time. But with Maguire and Eric Bailly set to leave, we will need an option very soon. Victor Lindelof is a great squad player but we need at least one more player who fights to be a regular starter.
Of course, Raphael Varane's experience is invaluable but at 30. Being injury-prone though, he could be a better option as a calm presence who comes in when needed to steady the ship. Since he'll be closer to 35 in the next three years, we need younger legs alongside Licha - preferably, someone like Disasi.
LB: Luke Shaw
Back in April, Luke Shaw signed a new contract that keeps him at the club till 2027. Although he's not always been the preferred starter since he joined, the Englishman has fought hard for his spot.
Despite being challenged even last season by Tyrell Malacia, Shaw ended the season as Ten Hag's preferred choice. And that's all we need to say.
DM: Sofyan Amrabat
Casemiro is doing a great job as our defensive midfielder right now but at 31, he'll be closer to 35 in the next three years like Varane. If he still wishes to play for us, he can do so as an experienced option off the bench. To prevent injuries - and have a trick up our sleeves for those big Champions League nights - we need a younger player in the mix.
Enter Sofyan Amrabat - at 26, he's good enough to give the best players a run for their money. He made quite a name for himself with his intelligent plays at the World Cup as Morocco enjoyed a dream run.
Man United do have a tight budget this summer but hope is not lost yet. If we make decent money selling at least a few players, we could cough up the £30 million reportedly needed for his signature.
CM: Bruno Fernandes
Our Portuguese magnifico was recently made captain and there could not be a better decision. It was one move that was in the making since he joined in January 2020.
Bruno Fernandes' creativity remains a valuable asset in scoring goals, which is an area we drastically need to improve. He's also our go-to penalty taker now that Cristiano Ronaldo is no longer here.
Bruno is only 28 and he has a contract that runs for the next three years at least. He's also well-connected with the fans and a genuine guy, who is valued by his teammates. There's no reason for a change unless something goes terribly wrong.
CM: Mason Mount
Mason Mount only joined this summer and he could be moulded into a dangerous player under Ten Hag. He's known to be a fan of the club, which suggests he will give his all for the badge.
With the rest of the team brimming with a winning mentality, a hard worker like our new No.7 can go far.
Now that both Fred and Scott McTominay - our two box-to-box midfielders - are linked with moves elsewhere, Mount would be perfect in that role. His style suits Ten Hag's fast-paced style of play and there's always Christian Eriksen to keep things spicy.
LW: Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford is undoubtedly Man United's crown jewel at the moment - a born and bred Manchester lad who rose through the Academy in front of our very eyes.
He hit 30 goals last season and has improved massively under Ten Hag's tutelage. The boss really values Rashy, which is a testament to his goalscoring skills.
The Red Devils warded off interest from cash-rich clubs like PSG to keep Rashford tied down till 2028. He's going nowhere anytime soon.
RW: Alejandro Garnacho
Jadon Sancho and Antony can provide strong competition for this role but we put our money on Alejandro Garnacho to make the right-wing his own.
The teenager, 19, prefers playing on the left wing which is currently occupied by Rashford. However, on occasions where he's deployed through the middle, Garnacho could be moved to the left.
Both Antony and Sancho scored 7 goals each across competitions last season. Garnacho only managed 4 but he provided as many assists. With a long-term contract under his belt, he could bag the right wing spot for himself if he continues to flourish.
ST: Harry Kane
Although Man United have agreed to sign Rasmus Hojlund, a move for Harry Kane cannot be ruled out.
The Englishman has not dipped below 25 goals in the Premier League per season since breaking onto the scene in 2014. He almost guarantees 30+ goals every campaign which is not easy here.
The Red Devils were only deterred by Tottenham Hotspur's unrealistic price tag, which prompted the Hojlund transfer. Kane will be basically available as a free agent next summer. Even if Tottenham do not sell him now, he's refused to sign a new contract.
Eventually losing him for free would be their only option and Man United could swoop in. It's also a win-win for the Glazers if you think about it.
As for Hojlund, he's a solid young option to compete with Kane and provide back-up especially when fixtures come in thick and fast.
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All that said, here's Man United's potential XI in a few years if the Glazer family stays in charge:
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