Manchester City's unrivalled dominance has eclipsed all other sub-plots in the Premier League this term, including Manchester United's acquisition of hard-fought stability as they look set to finish in 2nd-place, a huge improvement on their sixth-placed finish last season.
The Red Devils have seemingly built a foundation for perpetual success as Jose Mourinho looks to orchestrate his side's return to the pinnacle of European football.
To do so, though, necessitates improvements on all fronts, hence, without further ado here's a look at four ways Manchester United can improve their chances of winning the league next season.
Utilising Anthony Martial
The young French forward is without a doubt one of the best players at Manchester United. His skill is telling; he's got an eye for goal, good with the ball at his feet and fast off the ball.
Unfortunately for Martial, though, he hasn't been handed enough opportunities to enhance his reputation, having started just 17 league games this season. This has seen whispers of his discontent continue to grow, whispers which may yet fuel a move away from United.
In a bid to build on their second place finish, Jose Mourinho would do well to retain Martial's services and hand him a regular starting berth next season. His sustained presence in the side would help him get better and in turn, introduce a new dynamic to the Red Devils' somewhat predictable attack.
Playing Attacking Football
United have the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford within their ranks. Yet, Jose Mourinho often opts for a pragmatic style of play which evidently forces his players out of their comfort zones.
The few times United have attacked teams this season, they've done quite well, with the aforementioned men playing major roles up front.
Manchester United need to take a page out of City's huge playbook. The Red Devils need to show the rest of the league the true extent of their attacking power in a bid to instil fear into the hearts of their opponents.
Throughout the season you could tell how afraid clubs were of City's tremendous attacking power, so much so that their main goal in games was preventing the Citizens from scoring rather than finding the back of the net themselves.
Bolstering the Defence
Eric Bailly and Antonio Valencia are the only Manchester United defenders who would easily walk into most teams' starting XI having proven their worth to the Red Devils time and time again.
The likes of Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw and even Ashley Young - who has enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance this term - have all been inconsistent performers for Mourinho's men, providing David De Gea with numerous reasons to be United's hero on a regular basis.
Jose Mourinho will need to bolster his side's defence by adding a new centre-back and left-back to the team in a bid to improve his side's overall quality ahead of next season.
Inconsistency
Inconsistency is a problem that plagues clubs and players alike. It is the reason why teams come close to winning silverware but slip up along the line. It is the reason why Manchester United were unable to mount a viable title challenge this season.
Like Pep Guardiola last term, Mourinho will have to address the issue of inconsistency when the season draws to a close as United have lost far too many games they shouldn't have.
From the Champions League knockout tie against Sevilla to their most recent defeat at home to a West Brom side that is poised to get relegated after an abysmal campaign.
Should United manage to find consistency, then they could be on par with City next season.
