No Manchester United fan would have foreseen that they would be a club on the up 12 months on from their damaging European loss against Tottenham in Spain.

Solemn and sombre was the mood walking out of San Mamés.

The final was a feeble attempt at salvation - a last desperate reach in the season that had already slipped beyond control.

Fast forward a year and there is a sense, however slow, of a club stitching itself together, moving from reactive decisions to proactive decisions.

For years United have been directionless and have lacked identity, but since Michael Carrick has replaced Ruben Amorim, identity has been restored. They attack with fearless adventure, with an aim to entertain and to trust imagination as much as instruction.

Carrick has got United believing again. And a United that has belief flowing through them is dangerous for the rest of the league.

Standards have seemingly surged in an upward trajectory. Bruno Fernandes, who started the season in an unnatural double pivot role, is ending the season in his favoured No. 10 role, having recently equalled the assist record.

Talk about reaping the rewards.

Casemiro, in his farewell season, has enjoyed his most productive one. He has been a great source of goals as well as a leader. Kobbie Mainoo, who was cast out in the cold under the previous manager, has looked reborn under Carrick. His turnaround epitomises the new lease of life that has been brought to United.

The new signings have all contributed greatly, scoring over 10 goals each, the first time that has happened in a single season. Set pieces have been an unwavering presence in goal, something United had been crying out for.

For all of INEOS’ faults, there is at least a growing sense that United are moving with more purpose. It is not polished, and it is certainly not complete. Decisions, though, feel less scattered and more connected to a longer view than they once were.

The wider context of the Premier League also favours United, who now under Carrick possess stability.  It is shifting in a way that is impossible to ignore. Pep Guardiola’s influence, which has defined an era at Manchester City, is edging towards its conclusion, and with it goes a sense of permanence at the very top. Liverpool, under Arne Slot, are stepping into a period of uncertainty - will he stay or will he go?

That is where United have to be alert. If the structure being built inside the club progresses, then next season becomes about competing properly again - something United have not had a taste of since 2013.

Michael Carrick is expected to lead the club going into next season, after impressing during his short-term stint. He is also believed to have a larger say in transfers than his predecessor. United's recruitment this summer will be the first of several tests Carrick and INEOS have in what could be a massive season for everyone at Old Trafford.