During the media conference following Manchester United's loss in the FA Cup final on June 3rd, manager Erik ten Hag was posed with a question regarding his plans for the summer.

Specifically, he was asked if he had prepared two different strategies: one assuming the long-awaited takeover had occurred and another in the event that it had not.

Ten Hag's response was decisive.

"I have only one plan and that is to improve this club and improve this team, and that I will fight for," he said. "I have my ideas but also I have to work with my staff and my players to do better."

It feels like the only clear vision to come out of United in what has turned into a tortuous summer.

The modifications made to a squad that was widely perceived as ill-prepared for the challenges it faced have been minimal.

Mason Mount is finally set to sign after Chelsea rejected three previous bids, while Zidane Iqbal has been sold to Dutch side Utrecht, despite limited first-team experience.

Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe have departed due to expired contracts.

However, the ownership situation and David de Gea's contract situation remain unresolved, and there has been no new signing for the number nine position.

As pre-season training approaches, Ten Hag will encounter a familiar squad but faces challenges due to the active transfer activities of rival clubs.