Erik ten Hag has already completed a key Manchester United task this season

In some respects, it is difficult to recognise this Manchester United side when you consider the one that ended the 2021/22 campaign.

Erik ten Hag watched on from the stands as United slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace on the last day of the season. The starting line-up at Selhurst Park that day has changed dramatically in the months that have followed.

Plenty of the old guard who experienced disappointment after disappointment since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson have now left the Theatre of Dreams along with Ralf Rangnick, whose meek managerial style scuppered any chance of him taking up an advisory role for the 2022/23 campaign. As his first port of call, Ten Hag set to work building a backroom team that he trusted and the results are beginning to show.

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Of course, it has not all been sunshine and rainbows in the four months since his first press conference at Old Trafford. Difficulties in the summer transfer window led to Ten Hag abandoning his top transfer target, Frenkie de Jong, while fan anger at the Glazers' ownership continued.

The picture became bleaker following the defeat to Brighton and the abomination that was the loss at Brentford. United looked like they were at their lowest ebb so what has followed has been a hugely welcome surprise.

Four straight Premier League victories including wins against Liverpool and Arsenal have boosted morale among the squad while new signings and partnerships have started to flourish. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are dependable in the centre of defence, Christian Eriksen is pulling the strings in the 'De Jong role' and Marcus Rashford has begun to rediscover his goalscoring form which deserted him under