It's been an interesting season so far for Manchester United but despite Cristiano Ronaldo's best efforts to cast a shadow over the campaign, progress is slowly being made.
The season started with calamitous defeats to Brighton and Brentford before a win over Liverpool sparked an undefeated run that was brought to an abrupt and brutal end by Manchester City. But aside from the occasional speed bump, United have largely been heading in the right direction.
The signings that Erik ten Hag has made have significantly improved the side in most areas of the pitch. United brought in six players in the summer and here's how they're doing at Old Trafford so far.
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Tyrell Malacia
The first signing through the door after a barren June was the unexpected addition of a left-back in Tyrell Malacia. United already had two left-backs in Luke Shaw and Alex Telles so a right-back signing was expected given Ten Hag immediately didn't rate Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
But Malacia was brought in from Feyenoord, with Telles soon leaving on loan, to bolster the full-back options. The Dutchman came into the side following the Brentford loss and played a role in United's turnaround but was then torn to shreds in the Manchester derby. Shaw regained his spot in the aftermath and has returned to his best, giving Malacia little playing time. He struggled when filling in at right-back against Fulham.
Christian Eriksen
Signed on a free after leaving Brentford in the summer, Christian Eriksen has been crucial for Ten Hag in slowly implementing the style of football he wants his team to play. The Dane's intricate passing is something they have been missing for years and it's no surprise he has started nearly every game.
Eriksen scored his first goal against Fulham but it's making goals where he has really shone, with six assists to his name already. The 30-year-old has been one of the standout performers so far this season.
Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro Martinez is quickly becoming a fans' favourite and it's little surprise given his uncompromising defending, tenacious tackling and heart-on-the-sleeve approach to the game. Much has been made of the Argentine's diminutive height for a centre-back but it has had little effect on his ability to bully forwards and win the ball in the air.
It's a shame that Raphael Varane has once again succumbed to injury as the pair were developing a really good partnership but Martinez can remain proud of how he has performed so far this season and has certainly been one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League.
Casemiro
If Eriksen is the chisel then Casemiro is the hammer of United's new-look midfield. It understandably took him a short while to get to grips with English football after spending the last decade at Real Madrid but now the Brazilian is looking right at home in the middle of the park.
His vital defensive work, positioning and reading of the game remain as sharp as ever but what has been a surprise is his quality going forward. Casemiro is capable of making incisive forward passes, as his assist for Ronaldo against Everton displayed, and he offers great aerial threat at set pieces.
Antony
Antony has had a bright start but the best is certainly still to come. An ill-timed injury saw him miss the last four games before the break but in the matches beforehand he was showing just how exciting an attacker he can be. The Brazilian looks likely to be a good source of goals for United with three excellent finishes in his first three league games and he is a player that fans are already getting used to rising to their feet for when he gets the ball.
Martin Dubravka
Back-up goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was signed on loan for the season from Newcastle United. His only game so far was the Carabao Cup victory over Aston Villa.
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