Just over a month on from José Mourinho's departure from Old Trafford, and a lot has changed at the Theatre of Dreams. Most noticeably, United are winning.
Last night's impressive 3-1 victory over Arsenal in the FA Cup saw Ole Solskjaer pick up his eighth win on the trot since taking the helm, with the Norwegian caretaker boss looking set to be handed the role on a full time basis in the summer. It's safe to say, his more softly softly all-encompassing positivity has been far more palatable for the superstar playing staff than Mourinho's hardline, controlling approach.
One of the few features (in the end) of Mourinho's tenure that United fans welcomed with almost manic eyes and hearts, in light of months and months of uninspiring performances, was the continued pursuit of Ivan Perišić by the Portuguese supremo.
Ed Woodward's thriftiness saved the Croatian from having his undoubted talent blunted by Mourinho in any shape or form, when the United purse-string puppeteer reportedly refused to stump up an extra £5m to seal the deal with Inter, 18 months ago.
That looked a crazy decision when the winger was a standout performer in his country's run to the World Cup final a year later, but whilst the Nerazurri were able to hold on to their prize asset in the summer, it's looking increasingly likely that they will look to cash in during this transfer window.
And suitors are handily come by.
Sky in Italy: Arsenal are in talks to sign Ivan Perisic from Inter Milan, and want to sign him on loan with the option to buy in the summer #ssn pic.twitter.com/rZl55FCv2Q
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 26, 2019
Whilst United retain an interest, along with Atletico Madrid, it's Arsenal who look to have made the first firm offer for the pace-merchant.
Sky Sports have reported that their colleagues in Italy have received word that a loan offer has come in from the Emirates, with the North London side reportedly prepared to part with £35m in the summer to tie Perišić down on a permanent basis.
With United's up turn in form, and the rejuvenation of players such as Martial and Lingard in the inside left and inside right positions, it remains to be seen if they look to outmanoeuvre their Premier League rivals, who themselves have adopted a narrower setup under Unai Emery in contrast to Perišić's touchline hugging wizardry.
Perišić has previously hinted at his desire to play in England, claiming it has always been "a dream" of his.
