Mitchell van der Gaag was pictured writing notes at Selhurst Park as Manchester United played Crystal Palace on the final day of the season. The Dutchman sat alongside Erik ten Hag, Steve McClaren, John Murtough and Richard Arnold as United lost 1-0.
The appointments of Van der Gaag and McClaren were yet to be announced, but their presence at Selhurst with Ten Hag was everything except official confirmation they had joined the club as assistant coaches. Although Van der Gaag was pictured sharing jokes with McClaren, the pair weren't laughing after full-time. It's likely the size of the challenge ahead dawned on them.
McClaren worked under Sir Alex Ferguson for two trophy-laden years between 1999 and 2001 and he'll need no time to ease back into life at Carrington. The reaction to McClaren's return was mixed but it seems like a pragmatic decision - his credentials are obvious.
