Erik ten Hag's reign as Manchester United boss got off to an unexpectedly galvanising start last week.
The lead-up to United's first friendly of pre-season was full of doom and gloom due to a lack of transfer activity and Cristiano Ronaldo's desire to leave. Yet, a 4-0 victory over Liverpool, regardless of its meaninglessness in the grand scheme of things, can certainly do a lot to dispel some of those gathering grey clouds.
Ten Hag has only been working with his full squad for a few weeks but he already seems to have had an impact, with a team that was incoherent and gormless on the pitch in May now looking to have a clear plan of action to follow. They pressed high, kept the ball well and countered with speed and precision. It's only one match but it's a promising start.
