While it can be difficult to take much from fixtures during this time of the year, there have been some encouraging signs for Manchester United in pre-season.
They have picked up some good results, most notably in their 4-0 victory over Liverpool. Perhaps even more important than that, it looks as though the players are slowly adjusting to the way that Erik ten Hag wants them to play the game. With a few more signings still to be integrated into the squad supporters will be hopeful that the upcoming campaign will be a big improvement on last season's disasterclass.
What would be a successful campaign for United? Considering the gap between themselves and the top teams in the Premier League, a title challenge seems very unlikely. A return to the top four will certainly be the goal, although that is also far from a guarantee.
Jamie Carragher unsure on Manchester United's top four chances
You would imagine that Manchester City and Liverpool are all but nailed on for a spot in the top four, while Chelsea and Spurs nabbed the final two spots last season. Antonio Conte has since strengthened his squad, while Arsenal will also be in the mix.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher said that while Manchester United should be in the top four every season, it is far from certain that they will achieve that in the upcoming campaign.
I wouldn't say nervous. I think there's a long road for United that they're on at the moment in terms of challenging for the title.
I think the first thing when it comes to Ten Hag and the players they're bringing in will be, 'we need to get this club back in the Champions League where it belongs'. That's where Manchester United should be.
They're one of the biggest clubs in the world, never mind this country, so to not be in the Champions League just doesn't feel right, not when United are in the Europa League.
So I think that's the first thing and I think once United do that, then it'll be looking at the title in the next couple of years.
But it won't be easy to get back in the top four this season - not just for United but for any team who are normally in the top four.
You'd expect [Manchester] City and Liverpool to do it because they're always going for the title, but you look at how strong Chelsea will be and the signings they're bringing in, Tottenham's work as well, Arsenal also.
So I think competitively now in terms of getting in the top four, it's really tough, and it's proven that way for a lot of Manchester United managers with great CVs in the past.
But there's no doubt this manager has a really good CV and they made a really good start in pre-season.
Spurs and Chelsea look more likely to finish in the top four as things stand, although that could quickly change when the season gets underway.
Erik ten Hag will be hoping for a short adjustment period as the team get used to a new style of play, although it would be fair to expect some teething problems along the way.
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