Man City and Newcastle have provided Manchester United with something priceless

Manchester United are acting like a serious football club again and it's refreshing to see.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe made all the right noise when his investment into the club was made official but actions speak louder than words and true judgement has been reserved.

This summer window was bound to set the tone for Ratcliffe's co-ownership and United have made an impressive start to the window, swiftly concluding deals and arranging sales.

Earlier this week, it was the anniversary of Ed Woodward leaving a pre-season tour of Australia in 2013. The Glazers' favourite son in Manchester jetted off to conduct 'urgent transfer business' but only managed to sign Marouane Fellaini by the end of the window.

ALSO READ: United defender attracting transfer interest

ALSO READ: United confirm Mason Greenwood sale to Marseille

The unpopular Woodward was a symbol of everything wrong with the Glazers' reign and assumed responsibility over footballing matters when he was grossly underqualified.

His successor, Richard Arnold, attempted to distance himself from Woodward's catalogue of mistakes and delegated responsibilities, but recruitment continued to be a problem during his time as CEO.

In November, with Ratcliffe moving closer to acquiring a minority stake, Arnold jumped before he was pushed and left the club and a new football structure emerged shortly afterwards.

Omar Berrada was taken from Manchester City on January 20 - before Ratcliffe's investment was officially signed off - to become CEO, Jason Wilcox joined from Southampton in April and, after protracted negotiations, Dan Ashworth was appointed as sporting director in July.

Newcastle had hung tough in talks to release Ashworth, who was on gardening leave, from his contract,