Why this season feels different at Old Trafford

There have been optimistic Augusts at Old Trafford before. What separates this one is that the optimism is not built on a single marquee signing.

Sources close to the situation describe the mood at Carrington as calm but purposeful. The recruitment team has spent the past fortnight working through a shortlist that was drawn up long before the window opened, and the club is determined not to be pushed into a decision by outside noise.

What we know so far

The recruitment department has been rebuilt, the medical processes overhauled and the loan pathway given genuine strategic weight for the first time in years.

• Talks have progressed beyond the exploratory stage.
• Personal terms are not considered a stumbling block.
• United want the deal resolved before the squad returns to full training.

We have a clear plan and we will stick to it. The squad knows what is expected this season.

What happens next

None of that guarantees trophies. It does, finally, guarantee a plan that can be judged over more than ten months.

United's hierarchy will reconvene later this week, with a further update expected once the medical department has signed off on the latest assessments. Supporters travelling to the next fixture should expect confirmation before kick-off.