After six dress rehearsals, it is almost showtime for Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman will take charge of his first competitive fixture as Manchester United manager when Brighton & Hove Albion visit Old Trafford in Sunday's Premier League opener. It will officially mark the beginning of a new dawn in M16 and the feel-good factor that is felt by just about every supporter on the opening day of the season will be in full swing.
United, who were beaten 4-0 by the Seagulls in their last meeting back in May, resulting in hundreds of Reds supporters descending on Falmer train station before the full-time whistle had even been blown, will be determined to make a winning start and avoid setting an unwanted record of starting a new season with a defeat after ending the previous campaign with one - something the club has never done in the Premier League era. United lost 1-0 at Crystal Palace on the final day of last season.
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Since the 1-0 defeat to Palace 76 days ago, a lot has changed at United, both on the pitch and off it. Ten Hag, who watched from the stands at Selhurst Park that afternoon, flanked by assistants Mitchell van der Gaag and Steve McClaren, got his feet under the table immediately, hosting his first press conference at Old Trafford less than 24 hours after the final whistle on a wretched 2021/22 campaign had been sounded.
Since that day, the Dutchman has wasted little time in trying to put the foundations in place for what he and the supporters hope will be a successful first season of the new era. United wasted no time at all in saying goodbye to big-name stars Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Edinson Cavani.
United's ruthlessness in offloading those who did not figure in their plans, in the eyes of many, thought that it meant new faces would be added to the squad at similar speed. But with just one sleep to go until Ten Hag samples life as a Premier League manager for the first time, he will only have three new signings to include in his first matchday squad.
Considering the troubles that United faced last season, it is a tad underwhelming. Getting Ten Hag in early meant that it was hoped that United would get the bulk of their business done before the season opener. However, that has not transpired, with Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen the only new additions to the dressing room as things stand.
But while there is a constant clamour for new signings at Old Trafford, something they still need before the window closes on September 1, it is important to appreciate what Ten Hag has done since getting his feet under the table and picking up the baton from Ralf Rangnick, even if he has had to work with almost the exact same group of players that failed to deliver the goods last season. Pre-season, even if it petered out towards the end, failing to win any of their last three of six matches, featured plenty of positives for United, not least proof that the players have bought into Ten Hag's methods and demands.
He has given them an identity again, with the victories against Liverpool, Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace featuring some eye-catching and crowd-pleasing moments. United looked slick and well-coached in those three matches; everyone knew their roles and the football, at times, was nothing short of excellent.
While United have already started to improve collectively under Ten Hag's vision, several individuals caught the eye during pre-season, raising their individual games. Among those to earn rave reviews were Diogo Dalot, Fred, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial. Youngsters Charlie Savage and Zidane Iqbal also impressed.
Above all else, however, Ten Hag has shown both the players and supporters who's boss. Renowned as a disciplinarian from his trophy-laden days at Ajax, the 52-year-old has shown that he is not to be messed with. He has restored a sense of law and order at Old Trafford, making it clear that he will not settle for anything except impeccable behaviour and very high standards. His handling of the Cristiano Ronaldo saga, following Sunday's draw with Rayo Vallecano, has highlighted exactly that.
United, for too long, have been a soft touch, with player power dictating proceedings. Not anymore.
The judging of Ten Hag, ultimately, will start at around 3:45pm on Sunday afternoon. But whatever the outcome, win, lose or draw, it is important to remember that this is the beginning of a new era, one that will not be without bumps in the road. Nevertheless, Ten Hag has already proven why United wanted him so much.
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