There was barely a flicker of emotion from the Manchester United dignitaries at the final shrill on Sunday. They had done well not to nod off in the Villa Park directors' box.
The innumerable post-match media obligations meant Erik ten Hag had not crossed paths with Sirs Jim Ratcliffe and Dave Brailsford, Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox.
Perhaps just as well. Ten Hag told Match of the Day United are "in a good direction". He said it twice. The Ineos Compass may have to update its 'words they don't like' and add 'jargon'.
Ten Hag said United were "in the right direction" at the conclusion of last season, United's worst in the league in 34 years and worst Champions League campaign in 18 years. READ MORE: United considering Tuchel as potential replacement for Ten Hag READ MORE: Tuchel's Old Trafford appearances prove he would be an upgrade on Ten Hag United's direction is backwards.