Ralf Rangnick is now just days away from his first window as Manchester United boss and faces a number of key decisions.
While potential incomings will be the thing that excites United supporters, there could yet be some high-profile departures as he begins to shape the squad in his image.
Several players have been linked with exits, with forwards Anthony Martial and Edinson Cavani both having uncertain futures.
Rangnick has confirmed that Martial has explicitly expressed his desire to leave, while Cavani is a reported target for Barcelona.
The Blaugrana are on the lookout for a new forward after Sergio Aguero was forced to retire just months after his arrival.
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Cavani is set to become a free agent at the end of the season and speculation has suggested that United could cash in on the veteran striker.
But against Newcastle United, his importance to the current Manchester United squad was crystal clear.
At St James’ Park, Rangnick opted to start Mason Greenwood alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in the 4-2-2-2 formation he has quickly adopted.
However, Ronaldo cut a frustrated figure for much of the first half, unable to link up with Greenwood to any effect in the opening 45.
Speaking before the game, Neville told Rangnick that he must continue to play Ronaldo alongside another forward.
“He has to start. I think he has to start and he has to have a partner,” Neville said. “He has to have a meaningful partner and the worry if you do put Greenwood right of him and Rashford, if they get dragged back in defensive positions then he could end up exposed.
“He needs someone up top with him. I think he’s looked good with Rashford - that’s one of the benefits of this system, getting Rashford upfront alongside him has been great.
“Thirteen goals in 16 starts is some return - he's doing what he was brought in to do, there's no doubt about that.
“He is doing what he was brought in to do, there is no doubt about that.”
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Rangnick clearly identified the issue, bringing Cavani on for Greenwood at the break, with the Uruguayan instantly adding an extra dimension at the top end of the pitch.
His presence alongside Ronaldo helped take the attention off Ronaldo and his movement for the equalising goal was archetypal centre-forward play.
Former United striker Dimitar Berbatov recently claimed Cavani’s situation was “unfair” and that joining Barcelona would currently be an “easy decision”.
On the evidence of the opening 45 minutes against Newcastle, Rangnick must do all he can to convince his striker to resist the temptation to move to the Camp Nou.
