Manchester United can show how much they've changed under Erik ten Hag with one summer transfer

At one point this season, some were including Manchester United in the title race.

Erik ten Hag stayed coy and then in March, when United had fallen further back from Arsenal and Manchester City, revealed his true thoughts on their chances of the title.

"I think we have made good progress but we have to acknowledge there is still a gap. I couldn't expect we would close that gap that quickly,” he said.

The mere suggestion United were in with a shout of the crown showed how much Ten Hag had transformed United. Ultimately, the number of areas that needed strengthening soon saw the Reds tail off.

ALSO READ: David Raya issues Brentford transfer plea

A lack of goalscoring support for Marcus Rashford, a good back-up for Casemiro and ample reinforcement at centre-back saw United lose pace and at one stage briefly drop out of the top four.

David de Gea’s mistakes led to the ambiguous situation he currently finds himself in. He is increasingly likely to leave Old Trafford with negotiations regarding a reduced-terms renewal taking a turn.

Finding a quality replacement between the sticks is never easy but there is one potential option that has had his hand up for a while. David Raya has rejected several contract offers from Brentford and looks set to leave the Bees this summer.

He wants to move to a big-hitter where he feels he will get the game time he wants, which is perhaps why Tottenham have been most linked. But the latest De Gea developments open United’s door.

What’s more, the Reds can offer a better platform to help the Spaniard achieve his career goals, having reiterated them again this week.

“I have ambitions to make the next step in my career,” he said. “I want to try to win titles and compete in Europe in the next