Erik ten Hag has given Sir Jim Ratcliffe his first task upon Manchester United investment

With Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s bid out of the picture, Manchester United’s quickfire route to success becomes a lot narrower.

Perhaps it’s almost impossible with the Glazers still in situ. It cannot be denied the Glazers have splashed out heavily on signings since Erik ten Hag walked through the door - around £300million has been spent on newcomers during his tenure.

But millions of pounds worth of paint will never make the rocky foundations of the house steadier and the lack of funding in infrastructure is alarming. This summer, former academy product Charlie Savage put League One Reading’s training facilities on par with those at Carrington.

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The Royals have been washed with financial trouble in recent years and, in truth, so have United. The lack of investment by the Glazers at the club means United have to operate on a lower financial threshold within UEFA rules and the club’s debts do not help matters.

The club have been accused of overpaying for underperforming players. Paul Pogba cost a record £89m but left Old Trafford under a cloud for free.

More recently, Jadon Sancho’s £73m looks remarkable while the jury is still out on Antony’s £85m. So much money has been spent on a squad that does not look close to winning the title.

All the while, United could be in the same situation in the winter market as they were last season. A £225m summer spend saw the Reds cash-strapped in January and they ultimately had to lean on loanees Wout Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer.

This summer, club officials were concerned about Financial Fair Play rules and that same fear may come into play