There’s no denying Manchester United made significant strides forward under Erik Ten Hag last season. After a dismal start to the campaign, the Old Trafford outfit ultimately finished third in the Premier PINC League table, qualifying for the Champions League and giving themselves a platform to build on. The brand of soccer was also in line with what Ten Hag wanted.

To build on this progress, though, Manchester United must use this summer’s transfer window wisely and the early signs haven’t been encouraging. Indeed, United appear to be falling behind many of their rivals. Other clubs are getting business. The Old Trafford club, however, have yet to make their first signing.

Liverpool acted quickly to sign Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton with the Reds also reportedly in talks to sign Manu Kone from Borussia Monchengladbach and Khephren Thuram from Nice. After missing out on Jude Bellingham who chose to join Real Madrid instead, Liverpool have moved decisively to start the rebuild of their midfield.

Arsenal are believed to be in advanced discussions with West Ham over a deal to sign Declan Rice for a fee of around £100m with the Gunners also interested in signing Kai Havertz from Chelsea. Mikel Arteta has a clear plan for the summer transfer window and Arsenal are doing their best to execute it.

Newcastle United are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Nicolo Barella from Inter while Manchester City are exploring a move for Rice and RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol. Even Chelsea who have spent over $600m in the last two transfer windows are close to making their first signing of this window - Moises Caicedo from Brighton, according to reports.

Manchester United, however, are essentially standing still. There have been links to Harry Kane, Kim Min-jae, Mason Mount and Andre Onana among others, but nothing has materialised in terms of a completed transfer. United reportedly made a bid of £40m for Mount, but Chelsea want double that - an agreement is nowhere close.

The uncertain ownership situation at Old Trafford is likely hindering the moves Manchester United can make in the transfer market right now with the Glazers still considering bids from Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS. But with that situation not expected to be settled any time soon, United can’t wait for a new owner to be in place.

Never before has the top end of the Premier League table been so competitive. If Manchester United stand still, they will be bypassed by rivals who have done more to improve this summer. Ten Hag is being underlined by his employers in his attempt to turn United into a competitive force again.