It should be said, though, that Michael Carrick’s Manchester United have shown encouraging signs thus far in their pre-season ventures in Europe.

So far, they have played three games against Wrexham, Rosenborg and Atlético Madrid, recording two wins and one loss.

The results, though, are often secondary, with game time, improving fitness and implementing patterns of play taking priority.

If you are of a Manchester United persuasion, you would have seen enough to be excited about.

Leny Yoro has seemingly passed his audition at right-back with flying colours, while Mason Mount has been the standout player in a deep-lying playmaker role, but questions remain over his fitness. If he can muster up a clean bill of health, his importance to Carrick and United will be paramount.

At the moment, though, it is a big if.

Shea Lacey and Andrey Santos are two others who have impressed. Santos should be praised for settling in quickly. He is a profile United have been lacking for years. Much like his manager, he is progressive in his play and can break the lines at will.

Shea Lacey has, too, come in for praise, and deservedly so. He is slight in stature, reminiscent of Phil Foden with his shake and shimmy. Should he keep up this standard, he will be knocking on the door for first-team opportunities.

It has been widely reported that Carrick wants to change United’s style to a more possession-based approach, one that prioritises control and starves the opposition of the ball. The early signs are encouraging, but there is still more to come and more to be excited about, particularly when the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Youri Tielemans and Matheus Cunha join up with the squad.

With United back at European football’s top table, more investment in the squad is needed. The hierarchy should be commended for clamping down on leaks and keeping tight-lipped about their transfer activity, but questions should also be asked of why the same activity that was being praised now appears to have stagnated.

A left-back is required. Given that Luke Shaw played the most minutes of any outfield player last season, his body is unlikely to replicate that this time around.

Competition for places is also healthy. Lewis Hall is a name United admire and, in the eyes of many, should be the priority signing, but striking a deal with Newcastle will be difficult. Since writing this, a deal now looks unlikely, and fans have learned patience is not always a virtue.

In terms of a third midfield signing, one that can eat up the ground in the mould of Carlos Baleba should be high up on their list. Or perhaps Aurélien Tchouaméni, although he would offer something slightly different. While Baleba thrives on driving forward with the ball and covering huge distances through his athleticism, Tchouaméni is more of a positional midfielder. He excels at reading danger, protecting the back four and dictating the tempo from deep, bringing greater control and defensive stability rather than explosive ball-carrying.

Although United’s business has already been good, with the signings they have made, there is a limit to what they can achieve. Should they sign Lewis Hall and one of Baleba or Tchouaméni, their limitations suddenly fade. They go from a top-four team to one that can challenge for the title.

In recent days, there have been murmurs that Mason Mount will act as the third midfielder. While he has looked invigorated this pre-season, he is not the answer to United’s midfield prayers. During his United career, he has only been available for 47% of the time, and that is not someone you can hang your hat on. Should he stay fit, though, he will be like a new signing for United.

Based on what has been seen throughout pre-season, Michael Carrick could opt for continuity when selecting his side to face Hull City.

Senne Lammens may start in goal behind a central defensive pairing of Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven, with Leny Yoro at right-back and Luke Shaw on the left. Mason Mount and Andrey Santos could form the midfield partnership, allowing Bruno Fernandes to operate in the No.10 role. Patrick Dorgu may start on the left, with Amad on the right and Bryan Mbeumo leading the line.

The thinking behind that selection is rooted in familiarity. Those players have spent the majority of pre-season working together, building an understanding of Carrick’s ideas and developing partnerships across the pitch. With the Premier League campaign fast approaching, there is a strong argument for rewarding that continuity and allowing those relationships to develop further.

That is not to say the likes of Matheus Cunha, Diogo Dalot, Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford will not feature. All four have only recently returned following the World Cup, and while their quality is unquestionable, they may require additional time to build match fitness.

Bruno Fernandes is the obvious exception, given his importance to the side, but Carrick may be reluctant to make too many changes from the group that has laid the foundations during pre-season.