Two decisions in the space of two minutes highlighted Erik ten Hag's Manchester United challenge

"I have only one plan: that is to improve this club and to improve this team.”

Erik ten Hag’s comments might sound inevitable after an FA Cup final loss, but they come as an end-of-season verdict on his squad. Come September, the Manchester United boss will have had three transfer windows and this next one is arguably the most important.

The manager’s hands were tied in January after the Glazers showed him an empty purse after last summer’s £225m spend. Some may argue that, as a collective, that was an overspend but United will insist it’s about the long-term project.

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Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro have undoubtedly been successes and United would not have finished third in the Premier League without them. Antony is a regular and has come up with some important goals but has not dazzled as much as his £85million fee did.

Tyrell Malacia is a useful squad player, but nothing more yet. Perhaps that is value for money at £13m. Aged 22 and 23 respectively, there’s still time for both to fulfil their potential.

Free agent Christian Eriksen was a no-lose punt who has done his job remarkably well given what happened two years ago. United have definitely progressed and these signings have helped towards that.

The turnaround of Marcus Rashford, the leadership shown by Bruno Fernandes and the emergence of Alejandro Garnacho have contributed too with Luke Shaw and Raphael Varane, when not injured, being dependable.

But that is not enough and it’s why Ten Hag said last month he is looking for “better players” to plug the gaps around the essential squad members. ‘To improve this club’ means transfers.

Avram Glazer was at Wembley for both of United’s cup finals this season.