There's a feeling of optimism around Manchester United after a successful pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia. The Reds are unbeaten in their first four games under Erik ten Hag, and although it's just pre-season, there's been much to be impressed about.
Over their four matches in Thailand and Australia, United have shown that they want to build a possession-based style - wanting to keep a hold of the ball but attack quickly and aggressively up the field.
Whilst their new style of play has been evident, there's also two new faces ready to join alongside fellow newcomer Tyrell Malacia - who has settled in quickly - in Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez. Both are exciting players who could realistically stake a claim to be a starter from day one.
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But whilst there's much to be positive about with United, questions remain. Who will start in the much-maligned midfield positions? Will Cristiano Ronaldo return to the team? And will Frenkie de Jong finally sign for the club?
Here, we take a look at five ways United could line-up on day one of the season against Brighton.
Tried and tested
How much of a surprise would it be if no new signings start on day one of the season?
Yes, United fans would be bitterly disappointed, but it might not be a bad thing for Ten Hag to bed his new additions into the team over the course of the first few weeks.
Best case scenario?
If you asked 100 United fans if they would be happy with this line-up at this point of pre-season, they'd probably all say yes.
Although many would like to see more additions come in, signing Frenkie de Jong and being able to keep a hold of Cristiano Ronaldo would bring a tonne of optimism around the Old Trafford faithful.
There's still work to do to this team to see them truly challenge, but it would be certainly starting to take shape.
Midfield reunion
Frenkie de Jong and Donny van de Beek were an extremely effective partnership back at Ajax.
Potentially paired together again, under the same manager, it's not hard to see why Ten Hag would want to see the two play together in the Premier League.
Ronaldo leaves
It remains realistic that Ronaldo may not be a Manchester United player by next weekend after asking for a transfer from the club.
The Portuguese superstar is said to be frustrated with his wage being cut, as well as the lack of Champions League football next season.
Should that happen, Anthony Martial would step into that role, competing with another striker who the Red Devils would surely look to sign.
Maguire dropped
An unlikely one, but one which some United fans would like to see - especially when considering a partnership of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.
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