Manchester United continue to plan for next season as Sir Jim Ratcliffe puts the blocks in place to make the club a success one more.
The billionaire is in charge of the football operations at Old Trafford and has already made appointments off the pitch and identified other targets. Dan Ashworth remains on his radar and, sooner rather than later, a decision will have to be made on the future of Erik ten Hag.
That may rest on whether or not United can secure a spot in the Champions League for next season. Silverware, in the form of the FA Cup, could also see Ten Hag keep his job as a shortlist of candidates to replace him is drawn up.
Here's the latest from Manchester.
O'Neil on Ratcliffe radar
United are looking to speak to Wolves boss Gary O’Neil about a possible a coaching role next season. Ratcliffe and his INEOS team are weighing up their options across all departments. The billionaire remains unsure on what to do with Ten Hag beyond the end of the season and is exploring his options ahead of the summer.
As reported by Mirror Football, England manager Gareth Southgate is Ratcliffe’s number one choice to replace Ten Hag. But Southgate is just one of several coaches being considered, with INEOS’ head of sport, Sir Dave Brailsford, tasked with canvassing opinion on other candidates.
The former cycling chief has been looking at United’s coaching set-up and reports claim that has led him to identify O’Neil as a possible hire in the summer following his impressive work at Molineux.
McTominay praises Clarke for Man Utd turnaround
Scott McTominay has credited Steve Clarke - not Ten Hag - with the revival of his United career. The Scotland international was rumoured to be on his way out when the Dutchman first arrived at Old Trafford and back in the summer a switch to West Ham was on the cards. Since then though McTominay has nine goals and three assists across all competitions.
He's become a key member of the first-team in Manchester and he's hailed the impact of Clarke. McTominay believes his change in attitude and improvements in form all stem from a conversation he had with the Scotland manager.
“Yes. I’d say it did, to be fair," the 27-year-old explained to the Telegraph. "That was the camp where the manager and I sat down and he said that I didn’t look happy, that I didn’t look like I was smiling about the place. I thought ‘maybe he’s right’."
Onana hails recovery from poor start
Andre Onana endured a difficult start to life in Manchester but insists his mindset has been key to turning around that form. Signed from Inter Milan to replace David de Gea, the Cameroonian struggled initially as he made several notable errors leading to goals.
Since then he's become a more reliable shotstopper and has opened up on how he bounced back. "It's his mindset," he said. "It was not something easy. He had to pass through a lot of difficulties and he was only looking at the positive side, the positive parts. He was very positive and that is what I like.
"You know, no matter what happens in life, I've always said that it cannot rain forever, the sun will shine. And yet the sun will not shine forever, the rain will come. So just find a good balance, especially when you are a football player."