Casemiro ban gives final chance for struggling Manchester United star to earn spot in Ten Hag's plans

Erik ten Hag has already shown how ruthless he can be at Manchester United and he is bound to be again in the summer.

Whether it's been taking captain Harry Maguire out of the side after two games, refusing to yield to Cristiano Ronaldo or sending Jadon Sancho on hiatus for weeks until he is completely ready to play, the new United boss has shown bravery in making tough decisions and the will to follow them through. Nearly every single decision has paid off massively and only further ingratiated Ten Hag to supporters.

But more critical choices and tough tests are to come. The great improvements and success the Dutchman has already enjoyed means his targets will rise considerably next season. A return to the top four and maybe an end to the trophy drought was the best United fans hoped for last summer and that's on course to be surpassed with the style of Dick Fosbury.

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With one trophy already in the bag, two more certainly possible and a return to the Champions League nearly locked in, Ten Hag has massively overachieved in his first season and that has created a great deal of optimism. But with optimism comes inflated expectations and United will be expected to launch a serious Premier League title challenge next season.

United have flirted with the title race at points this year but it's a level beyond them at present. It took Arsenal over three years of patient and often turbulent building under Mikel Arteta to be in their position, so there is no shame in that. But it's clear United's squad isn't good enough as a whole to make a serious challenge for the top prize. When the best players have been unavailable, their replacements haven't been able to