Erik ten Hag's biggest Manchester United boost ahead of new season might not come from the transfer window

It's been an exciting summer for Manchester United, one that promises another season of progress.

Erik ten Hag took a bunch of disorganised and indisciplined primadonnas a year ago and moulded them into a cohesive unit which restored pride back into the badge. It was an uplifting campaign that brought an end to the trophy drought and a return to Champions League football but no one is satisfied with that. There are much bigger targets in mind.

But there is a whole lot of work needed to shrink the gap between United and Manchester City and it has begun in earnest. It was clear United's squad lacked strength in depth last season, especially in midfield, but the arrival of Mason Mount has added more quality, energy and dynamism to the middle of the pitch.

The lack of cutting edge in attack was also a big issue given United played most of the season without a natural striker. Rasmus Hojlund at least fills that hole but he will have to realise his sky-high potential to deliver the needed goals. The biggest improvement has come in goal with Andre Onana coming in to replace David de Gea.

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The Spaniard served United well for 12 years but obviously wasn't suited to how Ten Hag wants to play or the modern game in general. The arrival of Onana, confident on the ball and coming off his line, should transform how United play.

But even still, perhaps the biggest boost the manager has going into the new campaign didn't cost a penny. The return of Lisandro Martinez. The combative centre-back was a revelation after arriving last summer, combining his brutal defending with elegant distribution and becoming a fan favourite in the process.

Martinez formed a formidable partnership with