When Erik ten Hag started work at Manchester United before last season had even finished, his intention was to earn himself a head start in preparing for his first campaign in the Old Trafford dugout.
That hasn't proved to be the case. It is now less than two weeks before United get underway in the Premier League against Brighton and there are still several problems plaguing the Dutchman
. Most prominently, it's fair to say that things have not gone completely to plan for Ten Hag in the transfer market.
United have made three new additions so far - Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez - but are struggling to agree deals for other targets and have been rocked by superstar forward Cristiano Ronaldo demanding to leave.
Sportsmail takes a look at the issues still facing the Red Devils and assesses how the team could look against Brighton on August 7
. Cristiano Ronaldo wanting out
It is proving to be the biggest transfer saga of the summer and one that Ten Hag could certainly do without.
Ronaldo has told United that he wishes to leave the club, as he feels that he cannot compete for the biggest trophies while at Old Trafford.
The 37-year-old only checked in to Carrington for the first time in pre-season on Tuesday, having missed the previous three weeks - including the whole tour of Thailand and Australia - after being given compassionate leave for a family issue.