Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has accepted that talk of a Manchester United rebuild is over and that trophies must now become a part of his reign.
The Norwegian is going into his third full season in the Old Trafford dugout and is still on the lookout for his first piece of silverware.
Since being appointed as interim boss in 2018, Solskjaer has seen his side crash out of tournaments at the semi final stage on four occasions, as well as losing the Europa League final last term.
It has been four years since the Red Devils last won a trophy, when his predecessor Jose Mourinho won the Europa League.
But despite external pressure, Solskjaer had remained defiant that there was more barometers of success than trophies, labelling them an “ego thing” for managers..
"In the league position you see if there’s any progress for me, that’s always the bread and butter of the season that you see how capable you are of coping with ups and downs," he said last season.
“Any cup competition can give you a trophy but sometimes it’s more of an ego thing from other managers and clubs to finally win something.”
However, with the imminent arrival of Raphael Varane set to join £73m man Jadon Sancho, Solskjaer accepts that there is now a need to start winning competitions.
"We know we're a good team, but we know we have a little bit to go to be where we want to be and win trophies,” he told Sky Sports.
"I'm excited by the squad. I don't think anything is beyond these boys. It's just how we fare between now and the end of the season.
"If you want to be the best you have to live like the best, you have to work as the best and perform every three days. It's going to be tough, but it is possible, definitely."
He continued: "I'm excited by the squad," he added. "I don't think anything is beyond these boys. It's just how we fare between now and the end of the season.
"How much sacrifice, how much discipline, how much team camaraderie, how much consistency, how much hard work, blood, sweat and tears - all these qualities and cliches.
"If you want to be the best you have to live like the best, you have to work as the best and perform every three days. It's going to be tough, but it is possible, definitely."
Solskjaer’s new stance will please United talisman Bruno Fernandes who has regularly spoken of his desire to lift trophies.
Ahead of the upcoming campaign, Fernandes said: “As I always said, for me, being at this level, at this club, we want to win. It’s because of that I know we have the chance to win everything we are included in.
“After, you can win or not, but we have the chance and we should and we will do our best to win something of course.”
Do you want an exclusive pre-season preview of YOUR club - both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy .
