Watching training at Carrington is always a privilege but it is a particular treat when being able to witness the full squad regrouping for the first time after the close season.
The opportunity to take a look under the bonnet as Ruben Amorim prepares his troops for what lies ahead is absolutely fascinating and compelling viewing for any United supporter.
With our MUTV cameras granted exclusive access, the determination for hard work in the sunshine was evident from the off, as the Reds look to put a disappointing campaign behind us, looking with optimism to the start of the pre-season schedule, and the friendly against Leeds United on 19 July.
The rising temperatures on the pitches close to the Jimmy Murphy Centre must have offered some ideal preparation for the Premier League Summer Series in the United States, the next item on the agenda, following the sojourn to Stockholm.
The boss was out early with his coaches to set things up and await the entrance of his players, including those who had international commitments, such as skipper Bruno Fernandes.
When the captain came into view, he was talking with Shea Lacey, no doubt helping the youngster adapt and putting him at ease in advance of what was certain to be a demanding session for all involved.
Before the ball work commenced, there was another example of the running of the gauntlet, a playful tool which aids the camaraderie and has become a feature of some of the sessions at our base.
Diogo Dalot and Fernandes went through the tunnel of team-mates, in recognition of their UEFA Nations League achievements with Portugal, and the defender had to do a second run individually, likely to mark the fact that he was wearing a new shirt number (2).
Another wing-back who stood out initially was Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, who was sporting a braided hairstyle and looked in great shape.
After warming up with the Premier League's new 'Orbita' light purple-and-white ball, Ruben then went through his tactics and shape, with his players stood in position and intently taking the instructions on board.
Without giving any tactical secrets away, it was essentially a case of programming the players to learn the system.
Most footballers would tell you they dread the 'beep test' in pre-season and there was a similar fitness drill planned that looked a real challenge in the sweltering conditions.
The basic premise was to run different distances to staggered markers and back, as the group were timed on an individual basis. Discipline was required for each player to pace themselves and, in truth, the exercise showed they had been working on their fitness over the course of the summer.
There was a pause to regain normal heart-rate and prepare for the next phase of training, a match on a condensed pitch, with shortened dimensions, in order to pressurise passing, and keep things crisp. This was a prelude to a full 11-a-side match and it is probably fair to say players at any level always appreciate this treat at the end of a session.
The intensity from the very first whistle was noticeable, Rasmus Hojlund competing physically in an aerial battle in the opening seconds. Joshua Zirkzee quickly levelled an Obi effort but there was much more going on than the goals, as it all unfolded.
For instance, the continued support for the younger players. Dalot, and others, were keen to praise Bendito Mantato for his endeavours. Lacey was trusted with possession in tight spaces, while Hojlund took time to put an arm around Obi and have a quiet chat.
There was one moment when Bruno was narrowly unable to reach a searching pass out from the back by Matthijs de Ligt. “You'll be getting that next week,”
was the encouragement from the sidelines, as his fitness will soon be back to its brilliant peak.
While the match played out, there were separate finishing drills being held on the adjacent pitch. First up were Casemiro and Zirkzee, with the Brazil midfielder supplying the bullets for the Dutchman to display his shooting prowess. Hojlund did likewise, being set up by Manuel Ugarte, and regularly found the net in a clear plan to sharpen the strikers up, when faced with the whites of the goalkeeper's eyes.
It would be a little unfair to single out individuals, with everybody showing maximum effort in the searing heat, to such an extent that there was sometimes no deliberate attempt to avoid the sprinklers, when they were turned on during the breaks in endeavour, providing refreshing showers.
This was a long session that must have asked many questions of those just returning to the fray, and they provided the right answers, in an environment that suggested a real knuckling down in order to be ready for that first assignment against Leeds.
The hard work will continue, behind the scenes in the most part, as United strive to get into shape, physically and tactically, for the new campaign. The signs at Carrington are positive that this level of industry will hopefully pay off, once the Premier League begins next month.
The opinions in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Manchester United Football Club.