Saturday's FA Cup final has the potential to turn Manchester United's season from a "good" one to a "very good" one - in the words of manager Erik Ten Hag.
Despite some rather notable bumps along the way, United won their first trophy in six years back in February, with their Carabao Cup final win against Newcastle United. They have the chance to add a second trophy of the season on Saturday afternoon in the FA Cup final - but they are heavy underdogs against their imperious neighbours Manchester City.
QUIZ: Can You Name Every FA Cup Final Goalscorer Since 2000?
The most concrete sign of progress at Old Trafford was Manchester United's return to Champions League football, with the club finishing in third place and securing a return to the top level of European football.
That was thanks in no small part to the brilliance of last summer's big midfield signing from Real Madrid, with Casemiro a revelation at the base of United's midfield this season.
The Brazilian midfielder has been instrumental - but, in an interview ahead of Saturday's cup final, he emphasised that more top-class players will be needed at the club if they are to challenge Europe's elite next season.
Manchester United: Casemiro calls for further investment
Manchester United will play Champions League football again next season, after a year out caused by their disastrous 2021-22 season.
The new signings brought in by manager Erik Ten Hag have played a big role, with Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez in particular earning widespread plaudits for their performances this season.
Martinez, however, will be missing for Saturday's FA Cup final, along with a host of other Manchester United players. The absence of Anthony Martial leaves Wout Weghorst as the only recognised striker in the squad, while Antony is also unlikely to play, leaving United light on the wings.
❌ Antony
"Unlikely, a chance but a really small chance."
Erik ten Hag provides an update on the #MUFC team ahead of the FA Cup final pic.twitter.com/gbSutO5I3d— Football Daily (@footballdaily) June 2, 2023
Raphael Varane, Christian Eriksen, and Donny van de Beek have all suffered long-term injury lay-offs this season, exposing the lack of depth which exists in what is a talented squad.
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro spoke to the Athletic ahead of the FA Cup final, and said that more investment was needed to help with squad depth, if United are to push on and compete for the biggest honours next season:
When top-class players come in, quality players, it's always welcome. It's always the case that the more options you have [the better] because we know that unfortunately in football there are rougher times, periods where you have injuries.
It's not us players who need to be putting our noses into this. But the more top players you have the better, because there is competition for places and that means you get to the end of the season in better shape.
Manchester United are expected to sign at least one striker this summer, with Harry Kane and a host of others linked with the club, while Mason Mount is expected to become the club's first signing of the transfer window.
Fans will hope that any inbound arrivals can have the same impact on the squad that Casemiro has had this season, with the five-time Champions League winner becoming a favourite of the Old Trafford supporters this season.
Casemiro said that the reception he had received from Manchester United fans had been "incredible," and had driven him on at numerous points this season:
Since I was unveiled at the stadium on my first day, the fans have been incredible with me.
I feel their love towards me and what I try to do is show this on the pitch, by giving my all, my soul, in every game, whether I play for five or 90 minutes.
That's also my philosophy when it comes to working, how I play the game. I give everything on the pitch and I'm truly grateful for their help.
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