It would have needed the most optimistic of Manchester United fans to have predicted such a transformation under Erik ten Hag, but Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has always been of the Dutchman's quality from his time at Ajax.
Far from just improving results and performances on the pitch, the Reds boss has overseen a seismic change in culture and mentality, ridding United of the bad apples who bred ill-discipline around Carrington.
A focus on adding experience to the squad via Casemiro has worked wonders, while Lisandro Martinez complements Raphael Varane perfectly.
A false start last August, with consecutive defeats against Brighton and Brentford, was quickly corrected with a shrewd 2-1 win at home to Liverpool, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford finding the net.