As if it wasn't already clear enough, Tuesday's game against Liverpool provided a stark reminder of just how far Manchester United have fallen in comparison to some of their rivals.
The game at Anfield looked like a meeting of two sides who were not even in the same division, being reminiscent of a top class team taking on one from the lower leagues in a cup competition.
The way the United players let the game pass them by was remarkable. They just stood off the opposition, allowing them to pass it around with ease and create a number of opportunities. In truth, the 4-0 scoreline was not even a fair reflection of the gulf between the clubs.
This summer will be the first step in addressing that gap, with Erik ten Hag the man that will oversee the process. His move to the club was confirmed earlier today.
However, not all are convinced he should have swapped Amsterdam for Manchester.
Marco van Basten warns Erik ten Hag about United move
Speaking to Ziggo Sport, Dutch legend Marco van Basten said that ten Hag must be having doubts about his move to Manchester United after seeing their performance against Liverpool.
The difference between Liverpool and Manchester United at the moment is huge, they walked around like beaten people. They are one of the biggest clubs in England but not one of them showed anything.
Maguire passes the ball in the same way and thinks, ‘I don’t know, are you doing it?’
They are not thinking about solutions, it’s unbelievable.
You have to ask yourself whether Manchester United have doubts about Ten Hag or whether Ten Hag has doubts about Manchester United.
This was really sad to see, at such a big club. Wow. I hate to be negative about Manchester United but the fall from grace is unheralded.
It’s never been seen before. It’s alarming but we’ve all seen it coming. A big, big rebuild needs to happen.
It was embarrassing. I want to see some passion and desire. That game yesterday showed how far United are behind. You can go through it from No. 1 to 11 and it was poor.
The whole team were a shambles. Every goal you can pick someone out. There was no awareness, the two full-backs Wan-Bissaka and Dalot not following their men.
Maguire in no man’s land, not tight enough to the striker, not covering the run, in the middle of nowhere. People will say you shouldn’t single out people but it was embarrassing yesterday.
He's not wrong.
Manchester United will need a major clear out this summer, as well as some new faces through the door.
Considering how much of a failure their transfer policy has been in recent years, there can't be any sort of confidence that they are going to get those moves right.
SEE ALSO: Ralf Rangnick Thinks Manchester United Is 'Six Years' Behind Liverpool
