Man Utd have set their sights high next season but as things stand they should be concerned about the chasing pack as well.
Michael Carrick
Manchester United are at least a couple of signings away from being able to achieve Michael Carrick's aims this season
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With less than four weeks to go until the start of the Premier League, there is certainly a sense that there is more to do for Manchester United ahead of Michael Carrick's first full season in charge.
The major changes in Carrick's squad are the departure of Casemiro and the combined £85million arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Chelsea and Aston Villa. United have more depth in midfield, but the question is: do they have a better starting XI? At the minute, the jury would have to be out on that.
Transfer business has slowed at Old Trafford after a burst a couple of weeks ago, when Santos (£50m) and Tielemans (£35m) joined, alongside free transfer arrival Karl Darlow. There are reasons for that.
Barcelona's decision not to take the option on Marcus Rashford means plans to sign a winger are on the back burner, with Rashford now looking to stay at the club. United want a third midfielder but are content to take their time to assess their options.
That is an approach that will allow for clarity on Aurelien Tchouameni's situation at Real Madrid as well. The 26-year-old is a dream target for United, but he has reportedly signed a new deal at the Bernabeu, although no official announcement has been forthcoming. If Real manage to sign Rodri, it could potentially mean Tchouameni is on the market.
Either way, it feels like United still need to make a statement in the market over the next month or so. This is a very different season for them, with a return to the Champions League placing a greater demand on the squad.
Carrick had just 17 games to manage from mid-January until the end of last season and there were only 40 games in all competitions. That tally could be closer to 60 this term and while it needs a deeper squad, it will also change the dynamic for Carrick and his coaching staff, with the free weeks they enjoyed last term now a thing of the past.
The 44-year-old has also consistently said that he is looking up the table, rather than down it. After finishing third last season, United start the season with an eye on how they can close the gap on Manchester City and Arsenal.
The danger for Carrick and United is the teams below them. Liverpool and Chelsea both have a new manager, and the former are trying to spend big on a winger, while Chelsea have already strengthened their squad.
Even Tottenham could pose a challenge. They have the advantage that United had last season in not qualifying for Europe, have a head coach who will benefit from extra training-ground sessions, and are clearly determined to make a splash in the transfer window.
That puts pressure on United, who haven't yet made a major statement in the market. Arsenal are considering a move for Vinicius Jr, City have spent £116m on Elliot Anderson, Chelsea £117m on Morgan Rogers and Tottenham's midfield rebuild has seen investment of £185million.
It's not all about money, but it shows that United might well be looking over their shoulder rather than looking forward, as things stand today.
There is plenty of time for all that to change, of course. If United are to secure a top-four finish again and are to even consider challenging for the top two, they need more investment.
A third midfielder feels essential, and it has to be a big-name signing, someone who can come in and really make a difference across the season. Tchouameni would be a game-changer in that regard, but if he proves to be unattainable, the likelihood is this will be another mid-level signing.
A new left-back should also be on the list of priorities, with competition needed for Luke Shaw, given his fitness record in what will be a more gruelling season. If Rashford remains, then the left wing is less of an issue, but another attacker is a must.
Joshua Zirkzee has had his chances now, and with Benjamin Sesko still getting over a shin injury, United need a striker who can support and compete with the Slovenian.
If they can pull all that off, then another successful season should be in the offing. At the moment, there is certainly work to do.