Manchester United had yet another terrible reality check on Tuesday night, even if they didn't deserve it. The manner in which they were defeated by Liverpool at Anfield left little room for doubt about the magnitude of change that would be required this summer, nor did it obscure the truth that their current problems extend much beyond a poor run of form.

Immediately following the game, interim manager Ralf Rangnick said that up to ten new players may be required to bring about the type of transformation that is required. You may make the argument that the figure should be even higher than it is.

Disillusioned United fans have never felt more disconnected from the club's players as they do now, and it is impossible to imagine a time when this was more prevalent. This group is anything but a cohesive bunch.

Rangnick arrived at Old Trafford as a breath of fresh air, and while his hard-hitting truths have been a welcome addition, he appears to have given up hope of ever being able to genuinely tackle the problems he has highlighted.

Rangnick's job as an advisor to Manchester United may be another example of the club's tendency to make empty promises in the past few years, with the notion that his duties will be limited and that his recommendations will not be implemented.

As soon as the club makes the decision to choose Erik ten Hag as their next manager, the Dutchman must ensure that he has a candid and open chat with Rangnick about what he can expect and that he has an opportunity to gather information about the players he will be entrusted with trying to choreograph. This summer, he and the temporary coach are likely to come to an agreement on the amount of players needed. They might also come to terms on the players who would be essential in resurrecting their shattered ambitions the next season.

There were no longer any chances of a United comeback once the team news broke on Tuesday night. They have failed to win any of the four league games in which Cristiano Ronaldo has been absent this season, and without him in the attack, their blunt has become more softer around the edges once more.

With Raphael Varane, it's a story that's comparable. United have only lost two league games this season in which he has started, and they have not lost a single game in any competition in which he and Harry Maguire have played the length of a game together this season. This is somewhat affected by the fact that the club captain was removed from the game against Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. When Maguire was substituted from the home defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League, and when Varane was substituted from the FA Cup penalty shootout defeat to Middlesbrough, the scores were level in both matches.

When Fred and Scott McTominay were unable to play, Rangnick warned of the difficulties that would ensue, and once again they were greatly missed.
When asked about his lack of technical ability earlier in the season, Fred responded with a beautiful Brazilian analogy to highlight his invaluable contribution to the team. His explanation was that he "carried the piano so that the artists could play." United are unable to elicit a response from their attacking players while he is absent.

Fred and McTominay have been treated unfairly over the last few years, and they may be deserving of greater recognition for what they accomplish. They are both valuable squad players who have been given increased responsibilities in the team as a result of the lack of investment in the midfield. In retrospect, United shouldn't have been so reliant on the two when they could have been used as efficient utility men in the mold of Nick Butt, Darren Fletcher, and Park Ji-Sung in previous eras.

A further demonstration of McTominay's dedication to the cause was his willingness to accept a bench duty against Liverpool despite not being fully fit. Despite his limitations as a player, he possesses the necessary mentality to contribute to the team's success in the future as well.

In addition to signing as many as 10 new players this summer, United should also focus on rebuilding around the core of their current squad.