Mason Mount might not have been Manchester United's most obvious summer signing, but it didn't take long for him to show just why Erik ten Hag wanted him so much.
United's other transfer business will most likely dictate just how successful next season can be, yet from just his first 45 minutes, the addition of Mount already looks like a smart move that will make the rest of the team much better as a result.
The 24-year-old was at the heart of everything United did well in the opening exchanges of his first appearance against Leeds on Wednesday, not only with the ball at his feet but with the energy he brought to the press that helped assert his side's dominance.
If the focus of pre-season is to get players accustomed ahead of a season in Manchester, then the torrential rain and granite grey skies that stood over the Ullevaal Stadion were perfect preparation for what Mount can expect now that he has made the journey north.
REACTION: Man Utd vs Leeds highlights and reaction
Within the opening five minutes, he had already seen a free-kick and a corner cleared away before unleashing a rapid counter-attack that should have resulted in a goal as Hannibal saw his shot stopped well by Kristoffer Klaesson and Amad wasted the rebound.
That injection of energy pushed Leeds against the ropes, and seconds later they could have been behind when United pressed with real intensity. Mount robbed Jeremiah Mullen of the ball and could have rushed at goal, but instead strode forward a few yards and sent a chipped effort agonisingly over the bar.
Pre-season performances must be taken with a pinch of salt, though. Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial were two standout stars a year ago, as was youngster Zidane Iqbal. One of those has already left the club, and there wouldn't be too many complaints if they all departed this summer.
There might be another in Fred. He made the trip to Oslo but wasn't playing as a 'precaution' to 'manage his workload', though that might be more for his next club's benefit than United's. He wasn't on international duty and last played six weeks ago.
Mount's performance felt different, though. Ten Hag is open to his exit and wants a younger look to his United midfield; he definitely has a promising blueprint in the form of his new signing, Hannibal and Kobbie Mainoo.
The trio were at the heart of everything United did well in Oslo, with Mainoo arguably the best of the lot. The Stockport-raised starlet showed exactly why he could be the next youngster to breakthrough, moving the ball around sensibly and providing a killer pass when appropriate.
A year ago, United's midfield was arguably their biggest weakness; now it might just be their biggest strength with Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes still to welcome back.
Yet for all their dominance, the half ended level. Amad was lively on his return from a loan at Sunderland but will have to improve his decision-making if he is to have any hopes of playing for Ten Hag next season, and Alvaro Fernandez, fresh back from Preston, should have done better when his back-post header was glanced wide.
Leeds were limited to playing on the counter-attack, but despite a few bright bursts forward, they had little joy against the World Cup winning duo of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane. The Frenchman, along with Leeds captain Liam Cooper, wore a shirt with 'McQueen' on the back in tribute to club great Gordon McQueen, who passed away three weeks ago.
United's bright hopes were even further reinforced by what they saw in the second half, when Ten Hag changed his entire side to give the club's academy players a chance.
With both sides making wholesale changes, the momentum swung the way of Leeds, though the youthful United side handled the pressure well and used the space on the break to their advantage.
Once again, the midfielders stood out and made a difference for their side. Dan Gore, who was Mainoo's Youth Cup-winning partner last year, was calm and collected with the ball, while Norwegian youngster Isak Hansen-Aarøen was a fan favourite for his direct style of play.
They could have had a goal when Joe Hugill got the ball in the box, but his touch let him down under pressure from substitute goalkeeper Dani van den Huevel, though they wouldn't have to wait long.
United would get their opener when local hero Hansen-Aarøen collected the ball in midfield and played a decisive through ball behind the Leeds backline for Noam Emeran to finish off the swift counter-attack by sliding a shot under the 'keeper.
The goal sparked the Championship side into a brief sense of urgency, but they never managed to properly test a United backline that had never played together before.
It only made United grow in confidence, and with less than 10 minutes left, they'd double their lead when the lively Hugill latched onto a clever reverse pass from Emeran to put the game beyond any doubt.
They could even have had a third in the dying moments when Youth Cup-winning captain Rhys Bennett rose well from a corner but could only guide his low header off the foot of the far post.
If Ten Hag wants his youngsters to make a case for first-team roles this pre-season, then they have certainly started well. Not only is their midfield their biggest strength now, but it could still be for years to come.
