“If you analyse the situation, it is not difficult,” Ralf Rangnick started, before delivering a heavy dose of reality that Manchester United ultimately need a near-blank canvas this summer. “There will be six, seven, eight, maybe 10 new players,” he said after the latest undressing by Liverpool. In a period where there will be major adjustment to a new manager, United – with a gross transfer spend of £1.4billion in the last decade – have to also construct a fresh squad amid very little confidence in the intelligence of their operational structure while the anti-Glazer sentiment grows. Defeat at Anfield not only underlined that Liverpool operate on a different planet to United on the pitch, but off it as well. Erik ten Hag will walk into alien surroundings – new country, new league, new level of scrutiny, pressure and expectation – and face an almighty task. Not only are United not equipped to play his football, they are incapable of being a counter-attacking side, one that is com...