Unlike in previous summers, United got their business done early by signing Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for £37 million ($47m), which was followed swiftly by the arrival of teenage centre-back Leny Yoro in a bold £52m ($66m) move from Lille which was slightly spoiled by him breaking his metatarsal in his second friendly appearance.

United have since further strengthened their defence by bringing in Bayern Munich pair Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, a further demonstration of Ten Hag leaning on the Ajax old boys’ network. They would still like to add a defensive midfielder to the squad, although they have apparently cooled their interest in Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte. They are now considering cheaper options, such as Burnley’s Sander Berge and Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana.

It has been a busy summer in terms of exits, too. Willy Kambwala has joined Villarreal for fee of up to £10m ($13m) while Aaron Wan-Bissaka has moved to West Ham for £15m ($18m). Mason Greenwood has finally departed the club and joined Marseille for £27m ($34m).

Donny van de Beek has joined Girona for just £423k ($542k,) although the fee could rise to £7.6m ($9.9m). Omari Forson and Raphael Varane left as free agents for Serie A sides Monza and Como, respectively, while Anthony Martial and Brandon Williams also departed after their contracts expired, although they are yet to find new clubs.

Scott McTominay could yet leave amid interest from Fulham while Jadon Sancho may also depart if the right offer arrives, although Casemiro is set to stay.

United had a thoroughly disappointing pre-season in terms of results and injuries. It began with a worrying 1-0 defeat at Rosenborg in Norway which led to a furious rant from Ten Hag, even though the majority of the players on the pitch were from the academy. Things picked up with a 2-0 win against Rangers, with Amad starring.

The subsequent tour of the United States got off to a bad start, though, as a 2-1 loss to Arsenal was made 10 times worse by the injuries to Yoro and Hojlund. A 3-2 win over Real Betis lifted the mood somewhat, but the tour ended with more misery after a crushing 3-0 defeat by Liverpool.

With many first-teamers back after the European Championship and Copa America, United produced an encouraging performance in the Community Shield against Manchester City, but let their lead slip late on to draw 1-1 before losing on penalties.

Everyone seemed to think that Ten Hag was about to be sacked last May, apart from the man himself. United’s hierarchy certainly had their doubts about the manager and conducted a thorough review, which included speaking to Thomas Tuchel about replacing him.

But they ultimately concluded that the Dutchman was the right man to take them forward and Ten Hag now looks emboldened, having been handed a new contract and been authorised to sign the players he wants.

Ten Hag’s tactical masterpiece in the FA Cup final proved key to him keeping his job, and the 4-2-2-2 formation he used to great effect against Man City looks to be the blueprint in the biggest matches. It worked well again in the Community Shield against Pep Guardiola’s side, with Casemiro looking less isolated and there being much more cohesion between midfield and attack.

United cannot afford a repeat of last season’s wild tactics of having a low-block and a high-press, which led to them conceding around 20 shots per game. The early indications are that they will be more solid this season.

They will also need to get better at killing games off and scoring more goals. Ten Hag outlined the need to beat more of the “lower-class” teams in the Premier League and avoid the dreadful defeats they suffered against the likes of Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Brighton.

To do that, the midfield and wide forwards must develop a better understanding with Hojlund. Bruno Fernandes will also look to be more productive in the final third, having only rediscovered his goal-scoring touch in the final stretch of last season.

Lisandro Martinez does not look like your typical Premier League centre-back, but he is the best defender United have had since Nemanja Vidic and he makes more of a difference to the team’s fortunes than anyone else.

The Argentine has remarkable distribution qualities, to the point that many fans have wondered whether or not he should move into holding midfield. His passing skills, combined with his combative nature and contagious winning personality, make him a truly formidable player and he holds the key to United having a good season.

‘The Butcher’ was among United’s best three players in Ten Hag’s debut season, and when he injured his metatarsal in April 2023 their season threatened to unravel. His long absences throughout last year were a key factor in United’s struggles and when he did return, he helped lead the team to a famous FA Cup final victory over City.

If he can stay fit all season, then he can guide United back towards the top. But if he succumbs to a serious injury again then the Red Devils look set for another campaign in the wilderness.

United have promoted three youngsters from the academy to the first team in the last two seasons and a fourth is about to emerge. Step forward Harry Amass, who made huge strides in his bid to break into the first team during the tour of the U.S.

The left-back has been tipped for the top ever since he was picked for England’s Under-15 side while at Watford, and United beat Chelsea to his signature last year. Amass was one of the standout players as the Red Devils’ U18s side stormed to the league title and he was promoted to the U21s just one month after turning 17.

He impressed in the friendlies against Betis and Liverpool, getting an assist in the former and nullifying Mohamed Salah in the latter. The long-running injury problems that have befallen Shaw and Tyrell Malacia will only help Amass’ cause, and the fact that United have not signed another left-back speaks volumes for their faith in him.

Given how low down the table United finished last season, a return to the Champions League through a top-four (or even top-five) finish would be deemed a success, and would probably be enough for Ten Hag to stay in charge for the final year of his contract. However, United should be aspiring for more, especially as the manager keeps getting the transfers he wants.

The injury problems the team kept on suffering last season will not wash as an excuse again, and they need to be aiming to finish third in the Premier League table, at least. Liverpool should be weaker as they transition into life with Arne Slot after nine years with Jurgen Klopp, and they have not made any signings yet.

Aston Villa will be grappling with playing in the Champions League, which proved a huge handicap for Newcastle, and United should also be aiming to finish above them, as well as Tottenham.

Ten Hag has shouted loudly about his success in winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, but another domestic triumph should be no substitute for another disappointing showing in the competition that matters the most.

Player of the Season: Alejandro Garnacho. The Argentine with a licence to thrill keeps improving and his third campaign is the right time for him to add consistency to his game.

Biggest disappointment: Marcus Rashford. United’s highest-paid player is under huge pressure to return to form and he does not always respond well to being in the spotlight.

Best signing: Joshua Zirkzee. Hojlund’s injury gives him an opportunity to make a strong start and show he can be the leading striker, although his ability to dovetail with others will be key to him being a success.

Top scorer: Alejandro Garnacho. He struck 11 times last season in all competitions, but has the potential to more than double that figure if he can stay fit.

European fate: Semi-finals of the Europa League. The absence of Champions League dropouts will help United improve on their 2022-23 showing, but they will ultimately fall short.

League position: Seventh. The injury crisis shows no sign of abating and for all the summer signings, there is little indication of where the goals are going to come from.