On the League Cup media day at Carrington in February, Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire sauntered over from the main building to the Jimmy Murphy Centre to attend engagements for the final's programme.
Three of us were waiting on the ground floor for Marcus Rashford, having already spoken to Lisandro Martinez. When Fernandes was escorted through the double-glass doors, he noticed the three journalists and shook each of us by the hand.
When Maguire entered, he was on his phone, offered a "hello" and headed upstairs. A little can mean a lot. By that time, the captain's armband must have felt snug on Fernandes's bicep.
He had led United to a spirited victory over Crystal Palace the previous day and captained them in all but nine of United's fixtures. Also read: United agree Onana deal - full details Fernandes was at ease with the greater responsibility.