Fans of Manchester United hoped for an unexpected result in the Champions League final, but in reality, they always seemed to be dreaming.
This is partially due to the fact that the squad that prevented Manchester City from winning the treble could only manage a third-place finish in Italy's top division this season, making it seem as though Pep Guardiola's biggest threat would be himself.
When Chelsea won the Champions League final in Porto in 2021, Guardiola overanalyzed the game. Two years later, Istanbul did not make the same errors, and on Sunday morning, residents of Manchester's red quarter hoped they had been dreaming.
The FA Cup loss, which cost United the chance to win a second trophy of the year and deprive their rivals a historic accomplishment that had only ever been accomplished at Old Trafford, has made City's treble look worse.
The prognosis at Old Trafford is better than it was, and next season should be another successful one regardless of what is occurring at the Etihad - it's important to note that there are very serious Premier League charges hanging over their club.
Ten Hag understands that he can only have an impact on his team, therefore fretting about the other teams in the league is meaningless. As a fan, it is clearly difficult or impossible to take that stance, but given how well City has done, there are good reasons to remain upbeat.
United placed third in the league and advanced to the national cup finals. Their home record was only surpassed by City, and with a few more high-caliber additions to the roster, greater advancement should be possible.
What would the roster look like when the Premier League season finally begins? It's known that Ten Hag wants a top-tier striker and midfielder, and that he also thinks the goalkeeper and center back positions might use some improvement.
Naturally, the arrival of a center forward is the top priority. Ten Hag has been referred to as "obsessed" with the idea of signing Kane, but alternative possibilities are being considered because Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is notoriously difficult to negotiate with.
Kane is a proven goal scorer and would be the ideal addition. He scored 30 league goals for a struggling Tottenham club this season. Randal Kolo Muani, Rasmus Hojlund, and Victor Osimhen would all make excellent additions.
According to Premier League regulations, matchday squads can only contain a maximum of 20 players. Anthony Martial may be forced to make way if another striker joins the team; two would be ideal.
At United, it is acknowledged that a younger midfielder who can play in the No. 6 or No. 8 position is needed. While Frenkie de Jong would be the ideal acquisition, Mason Mount is more practical and would add energy.
In the latter part of the season, Eriksen seemed to need a break more than most. He can't press for the duration of a game, and in the league in 2023, the only time he did so was in a loss to Arsenal in January.
Scott McTominay or Fred appear to be the two players who will depart, but Fred is 30 years old and the more likely player to be traded. In a matchday team, Casemiro, McTominay, Mount, Eriksen, and Bruno Fernandes would all be capable choices for the midfield position.
This summer, the defense also needs to be adjusted, ideally with Harry Maguire and David de Gea leaving. It would be best for everyone if the club captain's divorce was peaceful because he only started eight league games this year.
Although Maguire is likely to be successful elsewhere, he hasn't appeared to be a red shirt candidate since his first two seasons. His departure would free up space and provide funding for the acquisition of a new center-back, and Kim Min-jae of Napoli has drawn attention.
Lastly, after bringing in a striker, the first order of business should be to locate a successor for De Gea. De Gea is anticipated to sign a contract extension soon, but as a goalie mired in the past, he will unavoidably slow down the rebuild.
Even the Champions League final, a game in which goalkeepers Ederson and André Onana frequently broke lines with their passing, highlighted why De Gea needs to depart. De Gea does not fit with Ten Hag's ball-playing vision.
With De Gea in goal, United will never reach a Champions League final.