Despite their slow start, the current campaign will be largely viewed as a successful one for Manchester United – especially after the nightmares they endured under David Moyes last season.
Indeed, Louis van Gaal’s much-debated philosophy is finally beginning to take effect; United have taken an impressive 52 points out of a possible 69 in the Premier League since defeat to Manchester City at the start of November.
Yet, the Red Devils are still very much a work in progress. Although they’re almost certain to qualify for the Champions League – the priority ambition for this season – they still seem a little below the standard required to challenge champions-in-waiting Chelsea next year, something their 1-0 defeat to the west Londoners last Saturday confirmed.
But there’s already big plans for the summer window, with rumours of LVG being given yet another £150m war-chest to spend.
And just in case he needs some advice on how to part with that almighty sum, This Is Futbol have created a select XI, combining United’s leading performers with their top transfer targets, that would guarantee the Red Devils next season’s title.