Mauricio Pochettino will officially begin work as Manchester United manager next week, ahead of the trip to Anfield next Sunday, arriving at a club sitting 18th in the Premier League with just one league win all season.
The 54-year-old, who was reduced to tears at his press conference on Friday, will remain in charge of the USA for two matches with Haiti before crossing the Atlantic to take the reins at Old Trafford. He inherits a side in crisis, with significant problems both on and off the pitch.
Unite United
The issues on the pitch and off it are to a degree intertwined, but even if United surged up the table, supporters would still have concerns about the overall direction of travel. The Glazers, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada all face questions over their roles and responsibilities that will not necessarily be solved by stringing results together.
Pochettino displayed his vulnerability and emotional side in his press conference on Friday, and showing that human element and connecting with the fans will be a key requirement for the new boss.
How do you solve a problem like Bruno?
Bruno Fernandes has been United's best and most consistent performer in recent seasons, but this term his form has dropped and the skipper has rejected the offer of a contract extension. That adds uncertainty around the Portugal international, and his role as captain will be under the microscope as United try to pull clear of the bottom three.
Fernandes will also have to fit into Pochettino's set-up, with the new boss having imposed a pressing style in the past, and he will want the 32-year-old to lead by example.
Sort the defence
Only Ipswich and Crystal Palace have conceded more Premier League goals than United, who have shipped 20 in 10 matches. Conceding an average of two a game is not a recipe for results, and Pochettino must work out how to build a strong defensive base.
All eyes will be on the players he selects, with the new boss having previously wanted his back four to hold a high line while his full-backs are often deployed as attacking weapons. Lisandro Martinez has the passing to be a big asset, but Harry Maguire could fall down the pecking order with Leny Yoro's pace and energy perhaps a better fit. At full-back, Pochettino knows Luke Shaw well but might want more dynamism in time. For now, he has to simplify the set-up to ensure more clean sheets and make United harder to beat.
Fit and firing
United have been criticised this season for their seeming lack of fitness and running stats, which leave them among the worst performers in that metric in the Premier League. Pochettino has prided his sides on being fit and energetic in the past and will expect the same from United.
The absence of a pre-season does not help the new boss, but he will want effort, energy and endeavour. The Argentine often deploys the Gacon test, a shuttle run which increases in distance on each repetition but with the time limit to finish the distance staying the same. In total it is a 5km run over 25 stages, and that could be a rude awakening to some at United.
Promote youth
Pochettino has been an advocate of youth throughout his career. Even in recent months with the US he has called up Philadelphia wonderkid Cavan Sullivan, who will join Man City next summer, despite the midfielder being only 17.
That philosophy bodes well for Shea Lacey, the brightest academy talent at United, who has shown more than enough this season to be given more opportunities. Picking Lacey at Anfield would be one way to get supporters on side while sending a reminder that reputation and past glories do not count for much in the here and now. Pochettino might also feel he can improve and develop young defenders Yoro and Ayden Heaven, who have plenty of potential but have looked shaky in recent weeks under increasing pressure.
