Take a look back at the start of this Premier League season, when it seemed like Manchester United had a team of talented players who could compete for the top prizes.

When United beat Newcastle 4-1 in September, it was a performance that had flaws in it, but they were almost insignificant because of how good each player was on the field. In the time Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge, that seemed to be the way things worked. When his reign came to an end the next month, it felt like things would get better when a sharp tactician took over in the dugout.

When I was a kid, I didn't know that the problems were bigger than anyone thought. A bad day in a bad season has made the idea that this team is even close to winning the title look like a joke.

When I was a kid, I didn't know that the problems were bigger than anyone thought. A bad day in a bad season has made the idea that this team is even close to winning the title look like a joke.

In some parts of this team, there might be some good people. But as a whole, this team has shown flaws in their mentality and character, and the gaps that were there last summer have only gotten bigger. Dutchman Erik ten Hag is close to becoming Manchester United's next manager, and he will be looking over the team he'll be taking over. He'll figure out who has what it takes and where the team needs to be strengthened.

Most recently, it looks like the answer is almost every single place. But if Ten Hag were to build his ideal starting XI for the next two or three years, there might only be three players who look like they have that kind of longevity at Old Trafford. Despite Raphael Varane's problems with injuries this season, he should be a mainstay of this defense for years to come, even if the 28-year-old isn't as healthy as last year when he joined the team.

Bruno Fernandes is one of the few players who can expect to stay at United for a long time.
Bruno Fernandes is one of the few players who can expect to stay at United for a long time.

Take a look back at the start of this Premier League season, when it seemed like Manchester United had a team of talented players who could compete for the top prizes.

When United beat Newcastle 4-1 in September, it was a performance that had flaws in it, but they were almost insignificant because of how good each player was on the field. During Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's time, this was usually the way things worked. When his reign came to an end the next month, it felt like things would get better when a good tactician took over.

When I was a kid, I didn't know that the problems were bigger than anyone thought. A bad day in a bad season has made the idea that this team is even close to winning the title look like a joke.

READ MORE: All of the United jobs are done, but some people are about to start new ones soon.

There may be some talented people on this team, but as a whole, they have shown flaws in their mentality and character. Gaps that were already noticeable last summer have only gotten bigger now. Dutchman Erik ten Hag is close to becoming Manchester United's next manager, and he will be looking over the team he'll be taking over. He'll figure out who has what it takes and where the team needs to improve.

Most recently, it looks like the answer is almost every single place. But if Ten Hag were to build his ideal starting XI for the next two or three years, there might only be three players who look like they have that kind of longevity at Old Trafford. Despite Raphael Varane's problems with injuries this season, he should be a mainstay of this defense for years to come, even if the 28-year-old isn't as healthy as last year when he joined the team.

Bruno Fernandes was given a new contract a few weeks ago as a fair reward for how well he has done since he joined the club just over two years ago. When Fernandes signed the deal, it only added one more year to his contract. It also gave him a big raise in pay. The 27-year-old is having the worst time of his Manchester United career right now. When he's in a good team, he's shown how valuable he can be, and the announcement of a new contract shows that he will be in the next manager's plans.

Then there's Jadon Sancho, who is a good friend of mine. Winger: He was supposed to play on the right but he's been better on the left. He was signed for £73 million and hasn't yet solved the problem he was supposed to, but there's still a lot more to come from the England winger. Those three look like surefire starters for United for a long time. After that, it's more difficult to figure out, especially when looking ahead to the second and third years under a manager we think will be Ten Hag.

The current manager of Ajax will get David de Gea in goal, and the Spaniard is probably going to get a fifth player of the year award. That doesn't mean next season will be any different. There are legitimate questions about whether he's good for the Ten Hag system because his positioning isn't great and his distribution isn't great.

When Luis Enrique said that De Gea could not meet the high standards that he places on goalkeepers, he might be right. Ten Hag, on the other hand, might be just as critical of De Gea. When it comes to defense, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw might both get another shot at their best next season, but they haven't yet shown that they are sure things at Manchester United for a long time.

Midfield reinforcements are very important, especially if you want to play as a holding player. Scott McTominay might return to being a useful member of the squad. Fred's hard work might give him a chance to make the team next season under Ten Hag.

Given the importance of a well-functioning midfield to Ten Hag's plans, it's no surprise that the Brazilian's performances remain erratic. Cristiano Ronaldo is certain to be an important part of Manchester United's team for the foreseeable future, but at the age of 37, his long-term significance is limited. United need a younger striker who can come in and be ready to seize that role when the Portuguese does depart.

Given the importance of a well-functioning midfield to Ten Hag's plans, it's no surprise that the Brazilian's performances remain erratic. Cristiano Ronaldo is certain to be an important part of Manchester United's team for the foreseeable future, but at the age of 37, his long-term significance is limited. United is in desperate need of a younger striker who can step in and take the Portuguese's place when the time comes.