Taking a step back, it appeared as though Manchester United had assembled a group of players with the ability to compete for trophies in the early stages of this Premier League season.

It was a flawed performance by United when they defeated Newcastle 4-1 in September, but those weaknesses were rendered practically insignificant by the individual brilliance on display throughout the match. As was the case under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, when his reign came to an end after a month, it appeared as though things would get better once a keen tactician took over in the dugout. However, the opposite was true.

However, the problems were far more serious than anyone could have anticipated at the time. The notion that this club is even remotely capable of contending for the championship has been thrown out of the water after yet another desperate day in this most depressing season.

Some members of this team may have individual strengths, but as a whole, they have demonstrated mental and character deficiencies, with holes that were already apparent last summer becoming even more apparent now. As Manchester United nears the hiring of Erik ten Hag as their next manager to try and sort out this problem, the Dutchman will be examining the squad he will inherit and determining who has what it takes and which areas require strengthening.

The answer, according to recent evidence, is almost every position. However, if Ten Hag were to put together his ideal starting XI for the next two or three seasons, he would have perhaps as few as three players who appear to have that kind of longevity in them at Old Trafford, based on current evidence. When he joined the club last summer, Raphael Varane made an immediate impact. While the 28-year-injury old's problems this season are a source of concern, if the World Cup winner can stay healthy, he should be a mainstay of this defense for many seasons.

Bruno Fernandes' new contract, which was signed a couple of weeks ago, was a just reward for his outstanding performance since joining the club little over two years ago. Fernandes' contract was only extended by one year, although he received a substantial pay increase as part of the agreement. He is currently going through the most difficult period of his United career, but when he is part of a working club, he has proven to be a valuable asset, and the announcement of a new contract indicated that he will be included in the next manager's plans.

Then there's Jadon Sancho to consider. While the England winger hasn't solved the problem he was expected to, he's beginning to look better under Ralf Rangnick now that he's gotten used to life in Manchester. He was signed to play on the right but has been playing better on the left. These three appear to be long-term starters for United, but after that, the picture becomes more difficult to predict, particularly when looking ahead to the second and third seasons under a manager who we expect to be Ten Hag.

As the current Ajax boss, David de Gea will take over in goal, and the Spaniard is likely to win his sixth player of the year title. The fact that his positioning is relatively defensive and his distribution isn't particularly strong makes it unlikely that his position will be challenged next season, but there are legitimate concerns about his suitability in a Ten Hag system given his distribution isn't particularly strong either.

Ten Hag's view on David De Gea's ability to meet the standards that Luis Enrique lays on a goalkeeper could very well be similar to that of Luis Enrique's position on De Gea's ability to meet the demands that Enrique places on a goalkeeper. Defensively, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw may each have a chance to reclaim their best form next season, but neither has established themselves as unquestionable long-term fixtures at Manchester United.

It is undeniable that midfield reinforcements, particularly in the holding post, are required. Ten Hag might see Scott McTominay return to being a useful squad player, while Fred's relentless pursuit of the ball could earn him a shot at making the team the following season.

In spite of this, the Brazilian's performances have remained inconclusive, and he will have an opportunity to show himself next season given the importance of a well-functioning midfield to the goals that Ten Hag is aiming for. Cristiano Ronaldo will almost certainly continue to be a significant member of this Manchester United team next season, but his effect will be restricted in the short term at the age of 37. In order to replace the Portuguese, United require a younger striker who can come in and be ready to step in and take over the role.
In the case of the right wing, the same may be said. United have no players that are interested in playing right back if Sancho's future is on the left.

After a clear preference for playing on the left against Everton, it was clear that both Sancho and Marcus Rashford preferred to play on the right. This has created a problem for the balance of the front three, which Ten Hag may have to address in the transfer market. Considering where United is at the moment, a long-term approach in the transfer market is required.... Few members of this current squad can confidently state that they will be able to continue playing under a new boss.