Well you can’t say there has been no progress made. We finished 3rd last year (yes, yes I know it was lucky) but that was done with missing Pogba for large parts, missing Rashford for large parts and McTominay for some when he was really upping his game. Then we now have Fernandes for a whole season. Also we have VDB who I think will elevate us further. Greenwood has one season under his belt. Henderson is back after a brilliant loan spell away.
There is progress but it has to be weighted by factors other than what you spend.