Ralf Rangnick has had the solution to two Manchester United concerns all along

You would only have to take a glimpse outside the Carrington training complex to see that Manchester United are in dire straights right now. Meanwhile, a glimpse inside their training complex would explain why their dwindling top-four hopes are hanging by something less substantial than the proverbial thread.

It was supposed to be so different. Having finished as runners-up to Manchester City last season, United welcomed Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford as his sensational return move was followed by eye-catching deals for Jadon Sancho and World Cup winner Raphael Varane.

Sancho and Varane each addressed problem positions for the then-United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Naturally, it was Ronaldo who took centre stage in his second act and, while not ignoring public opinion on the Glazers, 'Viva Ronaldo' provided the soundtrack for early-season optimism and, momentarily, drowned out protests against those much-maligned US owners. They are audible, yet again, perhaps to a whole new degree.

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag gives simple update on future amid Manchester United 'congratulations'

Re-signing Ronaldo was the distraction they needed in the aftermath of jaw-dropping and, fortunately, short-lived European Super League (ESL) proposals they were very much right at the forefront of. That merely proved to be the tip of the iceberg when it came to Glazer 'popularity'.

Supporters have already renewed their stance at Carrington and further protests are set to take place at the iconic Old Trafford home which is set for modernisation. That impending work, fans would argue, needs to be replicated in the boardroom and playing field.

Change is on the horizon for United as Erik ten Hag appears to be the man chosen to take things