Jose Mourinho has already solved £68.5m problem for Erik ten Hag and Manchester United

Jose Mourinho remains the last man to win silverware for Manchester United and, whether you like him or loathe him, there can be no denying that he continues to have a lasting impact at Old Trafford and beyond. It's over three years since the charismatic Portuguese was sacked.

Another trophy-less season means there has been no such success since Mourinho got his hands on a League Cup and Europa League double in 2017. That was supposed to be the catalyst.

In truth, it has proved to be anything but that and further change is on the horizon. One cultural reboot later and it appears as though Erik ten Hag might be next up to the plate.

A dark cloud, it was said, was lifted from the moment Mourinho was handed his P45 in December 2018. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brought hope, dreams and a positive outlook.

He did not, though, bring silverware. Ralf Rangnick was unable to, either, while Ten Hag appears set to become the next manager to steer United through stormy waters. Initial talks have been held and key figures in the Old Trafford boardroom view him as a preferred candidate.

Having finished as runners-up to Manchester City in the Premier League last term, United issued a triple statement of intent by signing Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo - although they did, crucially, miss out on a top-level defensive midfielder.

England midfielder Declan Rice is still target number one in these parts amid some concerns that West Ham might dig their heels in over a valuation for the player. Before launching that would-be pursuit, though, clarification on his long-term mentor might be required, among other things.

Scott McTominay and Fred - often criticised under Solskjaer - have been given a new lease of life by