Erik ten Hag's Manchester United reign has officially begun after the Dutchman arrived at the club's Carrington training base for his first session of pre-season.
The Dutchman will know just how much work awaits him as he looks to restore the club to former glories after their worst season in their Premier League history. Ten Hag was actually in attendance for the final game of a miserable season against Crystal Palace away at Selhurst Park, ensuring he has a clear idea of what he needs to do improve upon.
There was also a familiar face alongside him at Carrington on Monday morning, as Steve McClaren returned to United for the first time in just over two decades, ready for life as assistant to Ten Hag. McClaren was part of Sir Alex Ferguson's backroom staff during the club's iconic treble-winning season in 1999.
Both Ten Hag and McClaren will not be joined by some of the more high-profile figures from within this current crop of United stars. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes are not expected to report back for pre-season for another few weeks. Any United star who represented their national side in the immediate aftermath of the Premier League's season's end in UEFA Nations League fixtures will be granted some extra time-off to rest before returning ready to work under the new boss.
But Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford - both on the outside looking in where England are concerned at present - will be in attendance, desperate to impress the new boss. Ten Hag will have to balance his time between keeping a close eye on the fringe players returning to Carrington this week and those under-performing stars in need of a pick-me-up under his management - while also overseeing transfer pursuits of multiple targets as United's hierarchy look to get the squad to his liking.
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The Red Devils have been slow off the mark to make any additions in comparison to their fellow big-six rivals. Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs have all announced key signings while United continue to pursue the same few players in the hope they can drive the prices down.
Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong remains United's priority signing and after weeks of negotiations, the two sides are thought to have finally reached an agreement over the midfielder's fee. Ten Hag is willing to fork out £67million to make the former Ajax talent his first signing as United boss. Other targets include current Ajax winger Antony.
Ten Hag may well look to cash in on a number of the first-team players who have struggled in recent times in order to boost funds, with Andreas Pereira potentially the first out the door.
