While Ten Hag’s observation is accurate, it ignores the fact United finished eighth last season, their worst placing since 1990.

The defeat at Brighton last week included failings from last season in defence and attack, while confirmation Mason Mount will be out for up to five weeks with a hamstring problem adds to a growing injury list Ten Hag was desperate to avoid.

The deadline day arrival of Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte means another £200m has been invested in Ten Hag’s squad this summer, taking the total spent under the Dutchman to in excess of £600m.

While there have been many times over the past two years when it has seemed United are no further forward than they were during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s time in charge, Ten Hag is certain progress has been made.

“I had to build this club,” he said.

“We brought young players in and progressed them. We won trophies. What more can I do?

“As far as I know, the fans are happy with me, but I don’t care if I get the credit or not. It’s not about me. It’s about Man United.

“We are very ambitious: the club, the leadership, the team definitely. Everyone.

“You can see the potential. Now we have to work very hard to achieve our targets.”