MANCHESTER UNITED's monumental victory over Liverpool on Monday night only papers over the deep cracks.

Erik ten Hag got the best out of the Red Devils as Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford struck to complete the first win of the season and heap more misery on Jurgen Klopp's team.

But the club remains in the pits – it is still for sale and whoever the new owners are, when they eventually arrive, there are six key areas they must address immediately.

In order to take the club back to the top, here's what they must do. 

Fill the club with the best in class 

Gary Neville was right when he said Manchester United should have “best in class” in every department. On the football and non-footballing side.  

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For a club with the prestige and history of Manchester United, it’s important that football is put at the heart of everything they do.

Yes, there’s a need for astute business and marketing, but if the football side of things is being run to the best of its ability, then the rest will take care of itself – and the money will pour in. 

Refurbish Old Trafford  

The Theatre of Dreams is rusting to say the least. The existing stadium needs a polish and then extended in the right areas, starting with the Sir Bobby Charlton stand.

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The ideal would be to rebuild the stadium next to the existing plot, whilst playing in the current Old Trafford. You could then have two stadiums side-by-side – one for the men and women’s team. 

Perception, look, and feel is everything. You only need to see the Old Trafford tunnel area and compare it to some of the more modern stadiums, to realise how amateurish it looks. 

Improve the training ground 

Manchester United’s training ground is the fourth or fifth best in the Premier League, never mind Europe.  

It goes back to the earlier “best in class” comment. The very best football and business people need to be appointed, but they should be supported with the best facilities too. At the moment, this isn’t the case.  

The players need to feel energised and excited about where they train. 

Build academy  

Once an identity and direction has been decided by a competent Director of Football, manager and coaching team, then it should be implemented and nurtured from the ground up.

United need to be more competitive in their local area. Man City have more scouts, and youngsters of today would rather go to the blue half of Manchester than red.  

The academy building at Carrington is like the rest of the training facility – just, ok. It needs a facelift and investment as well.    

Recruitment  

United have spent money since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, but it’s been spent poorly.

Have a strategy and secure the best local talent.

Spend money on the finest emerging talent in Europe, and be at the table for discussions with the best players who play for other teams in the Premier League and Europe.  

United currently fail in each area. 

Support Erik ten Hag  

The new manager might make one or two more signings between now and the end of the window, but he hasn’t secured Frenkie de Jong, the one he really wanted.

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This season isn’t a write-off, but it does feel like Ten Hag is working with one arm tied behind his back. It means that this campaign, expectation is at an all-time low, or was until Monday night.  

Depending on when the takeover is complete, Ten Hag must be given all the help and support possible. Only then can we judge him. 

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