Standards have dropped at Old Trafford since legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 and Manchester United sunk to new lows post-Fergie time last season.
Change was demanded and the early signs from Erik ten Hag have been more than encouraging, with a brighter future seemingly on the horizon.
From the moment Ten Hag arrived, hope was restored, but there was still a collective understanding it would take time for the Dutchman to instil his philosophy, and play catch-up at the Premier League summit.
That would be the case on the training ground and in the transfer market, as well. Having pursued Declan Rice for considerable time, even with alarm bells ringing when it came to a valuation, focus turned to Frenkie de Jong when Ten Hag was appointed.