So the humongous task of restoring Manchester United to past glories will fall on the shoulders of Erik ten Hag.
The Dutch coach will be the Old Trafford club's next permanent manager, seeking to arrest almost a decade of decline at England's biggest club following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement.
The fact Ten Hag will be United's fifth permanent manager since 2013 only underlines the dysfunction that has followed the dynasty of success and silverware achieved by Ferguson.
And it seemed altogether fitting that 36 hours before the official announcement of Ten Hag's appointment, a gutless performance saw United thrashed 4-0 by fierce rivals Liverpool at Anfield.