It's been a rollercoaster week for Manchester United with Erik ten Hag named as their new manager shortly after being humbled at Anfield.
Liverpool dismantled the Red Devils as the Premier League title challengers sealed a dominant 4-0 win over their rivals on Tuesday night. And not for the first time this season, United were put in the firing line in the wake of the defeat as the criticism came in their direction from all angles.
Meanwhile, United were working tirelessly in the background to get a deal for Ten Hag over the line. That eventually came to fruition on Thursday as it was made official that he would be the Old Trafford club's new boss in the summer as the Dutchman departs Ajax signing a three-year deal, with an option of a fourth.
The majority of the players will be looking ahead to the new season under the 52-year-old but, in the meantime, it's business as usual with United still in the fight for a top-four place this season.
The squad were in training preparing for their trip to Arsenal as Ten Hag's appointment was confirmed - here are five things we noticed from Carrington.
Ronaldo returns
Cristiano Ronaldo returned to training following the tragic death of his baby boy.
The Portugal star and his partner Georgina Rodriguez confirmed the heartbreaking news on Monday, describing their newborn baby boy as an “angel” while adding that their baby daughter was giving the two "strength" amid the emotional pain.
Ronaldo sat out of the trip to Anfield and was granted compassionate leave by United but returned to Carrington on Wednesday and trained on Thursday, suggesting he will be available at the weekend.
Hannibal stakes a claim
Hannibal Mejbri was a rare bright spark for United against Liverpool as he climbed off the bench with plenty of energy and put himself about. Gary Neville praised his grit and pride with his late cameo, saying in the commentary box for Sky Sports: "To be fair at least the kid's showing something.
"Honestly, it takes a young kid to come on and show the rest of them how to sprint to the ball and put a challenge in. I'm actually proud of him. Maybe he doesn't like the idea of Liverpool passing around him, I wish the others were the same."
It was more of the same for Mejbri in training as he tussled with Bruno Fernandes and there is a good chance he could find some playing time from now until the end of the season if he keeps that same attitude.
Fernandes shows fight
Bruno Fernandes faced the media on Tuesday holding his hands up for United's horror performance while also claiming they were "fighting for nothing" despite still having top-four ambitions.
He told Sky Sports: "Liverpool is fighting for the title, that is the difference. We are not fighting for nothing." Fernandes vowed that United will "compete until the end", however, and competing is certainly what he did during training on Thursday.
It might be a long shot for United to finish in the top four given Arsenal's win over Chelsea but the clash with the Gunners at the weekend is a potential six-pointer. United have the chance to end the season on a high and it would be the perfect welcome for Ten Hag but they'll need their big-time players like Fernandes to produce the goods.
Should Hannibal start against Arsenal? Comment below
Matic the model professional
Nemanja Matic announced that he would leave United at the end of the season and is one of a potential 12 players that could depart in the summer with a mass clear-out expected.
The Serbian is one individual that can be counted on to remain professional but it remains to be seen how many will follow suit. It's no secret that United have been plagued with dressing room issues this season and with so many players wanting out with the campaign coming to a conclusion, it's gonna be hard for Ralf Rangnick to motivate the squad.
Matic went about his business on Thursday, however, as he spoke with Ronaldo at length during the session.
No sign of Pogba
Paul Pogba was not pictured in training after picking up an injury against Liverpool that forced him off in the first half after just nine minutes. Ralf Rangnick revealed the Frenchman pulled his calf muscle and would likely the games against Arsenal and Chelsea. He said: "He pulled his calf muscle and, as it seems right now, this will not be an injury like the one Fred has which will be gone in one week."
"I fear he will not be available for Arsenal or Chelsea." Gary Neville speculated that the encounter at Anfield could have been the midfielder's last game in a United shirt as he's set to leave as a free agent in the summer. Pogba's return date is still unclear, but at the very least, he will miss the trip to the Emirates as he sat out of training on Thursday.
There seems a good chance Neville's prediction could materialise as his second spell at Old Trafford is set to come to a bitter end.
