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The hope and expectation was that by the time Manchester United line-up against Brighton on August 7, it will be a squad shaped in the image of Erik ten Hag.

The Dutchman impressed Old Trafford chiefs during talks prior to his appointment. After years of visionless underperformance, Ten Hag represents a chance for the Red Devils to finally begin operating in a style which is more reminiscent of their elite rivals.

United’s non-international players are expected to report to Carrington on Monday, before the full squad assembles a week later. But frustratingly for the former Ajax boss, Ten Hag looks set to kick-off his reign with zero notable additions.

Frenkie de Jong remains the top target and there is growing optimism a deal will be done. The Barcelona midfielder signing on the dotted line would be a statement of intent from United, giving his standing in the world game.

But Ten Hag wants - and United need - significantly more if they are to begin to close the gap on the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool. Reports have suggested that after a midfield player, signing a new central defender is right at the top of the summer wishlist.

And it’s not difficult to see why. Raphael Varane’s arrival last summer was supposed to be the final piece of a puzzle that had taken more than £100million to assemble.

But the Frenchman’s fitness issues ensured that United supporters were often denied the chance to see