Two steps forward, one step back.

That’s seemed to be the story for Manchester United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but there is also reason to believe that the days of “taking steps back” are limited. Of course, that’s always easier said than done.

Entering the 2021-22 season, United’s track record of bringing in new players – coupled with seriously contending for serious trophies – had not been great dating back multiple years. But this summer began in a more positive fashion with the addition of Jadon Sancho, who has long been linked with the club. World Cup and Champions League winner Raphael Varane was also a welcome addition, giving Solskjaer options for central defenders.

But then came the move of the summer, on a global scale: Cristiano Ronaldo returning to United 12 years after he left for a then-world record fee. Naturally, there were immediate expectations for Ronaldo to pick up where he left off, but the Portuguese star has done just that, scoring four total goals in his first three appearances.

That leads to the greater point: Manchester United have enjoyed their most productive transfer window in some time; now it’s time for the club to seriously contend for titles.

The Red Devils have started the Premier League campaign on the right foot, scoring nine goals combined in their first two home games, and racing out to 13 points. They would have a perfect start through five games but for a 1-1 draw at Southampton; that game, played before Ronaldo’s arrival, was the perfect example of how the team may have been happy to settle for a draw before, but Ronaldo is the type of player capable of dragging a team to a win.

On the flip side, United need to be wary of unflattering results. A loss to Young Boys in the Champions League opener, along with a League Cup exit to West Ham, shows what kind of tightrope United will be on this season. If they can get back on track to win some sort of silverware, results like the EFL Cup loss can be dismissed. But if United do get off track, the pressure on Solskjaer will only continue to increase. With Aston Villa visiting Old Trafford on Saturday, followed by Villarreal’s visit in the Champions League on Wednesday, it’s reasonable to expect Manchester United to take both those matches. If both finish as draws, or if one is a loss, time will start running out.

Manchester United have had time to build together a squad. It’s taken longer than expected, but this year’s players do have a trophy-winning air about them on paper. Can they finally deliver?