It's been a summer of steady progress for Manchester United, but now the time for talking is over and the real work begins. United begin the new Premier League campaign against Brighton this weekend and know that an early benchmark needs to be set to welcome their new era.
Erik ten Hag will be the eighth manager, including caretakers, to take charge of United in the nine years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
Six of the previous seven in that time have won their first ever match in charge of the club, with compatriot Louis van Gaal the only exception.
United will be hoping to show the Premier League how much they have changed since their disastrous campaign last time out, but any Ten Hag revolution is most likely to take time rather than be an instant transformation. READ MORE: United frustrated by delay to De Jong transfer amid Barcelona financial issues A win this weekend would help solidify his philosophy and justify the work he has been doing this summer, and with little margin for error, he needs to pick the best team at his disposal to do so.