Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has expressed optimism that might not take long for the club to challenge for major honours again, having seen the likes of Liverpool build over the space of just ‘two or three’ transfer windows.

Rangnick, who has been praised for his honesty since taking up his short-term role at Old Trafford, reiterated after beating Brentford on Monday the need to strengthen in every position other than goalkeeper to improve and replace players who are leaving.

Nemanja Matic, Edinson Cavani and Juan Mata were all given the opportunity to bid farewell to fans in the final home game of the season. Phil Jones was another who got an unexpected run out and may have played his last game at Old Trafford.

Paul Pogba, who has been sidelined with injury, also remains on course to go. But there was no farewell opportunity for Jesse Lingard, whose brother later described United as ‘classless’ in a stinging post on social media.

There additionally remain doubts about Cristiano Ronaldo, with fans and pundits alike scanning his entire match-winning performance on Monday night for clues and hints as to his intentions.