Manchester United have been made to wait for a return to winning ways under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Following an awful end to last season which saw United last record victory on 13 April with a scrappy home win against West Ham, even an unglamorous 2-0 win over Perth Glory was warmly received.
It was a match in which United would never get any real credit. Anything other than a win would be regarded as disappointing, while a win was never going to raise many eyebrows.
However, for Solskjaer the process remains far more important than results in pre-season, and United are beginning to show signs that they are learning lessons from the Norwegian coach.
Throughout last season United’s progression was badly affected by a lack of fitness which needs to be addressed if the club are to achieve anything of significance in the new season.
What was most encouraging, however, was the positive style of play which they implemented and the improved pressing play which featured both in the first-half and in the second in Perth.
New signings Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka not only both looked productive in their style of play, but both of them have clearly been recruited with Solskjaer’s desired approach in mind.
The duo both played a big part in the pressing style of play which was evident from the beginning with Wales international James keen to impress in particular at every given opportunity.
Within the opening five minutes James had already put three encouraging balls into the box and against a physical Perth side he showcased impressive attitude to persist with his energetic display and did not seek any medical treatment.
Not only has Solskjaer recruited two young professionals who suit his style of play well, but he has also recruited two players who have so far showcased the positive attitude to be successful at the club.
Encouragingly for supporters who watched on Saturday night was the manner in which United such an active high press throughout the encounter. The weather has suited the side out here in Perth, which feels like an European city at the moment, but the real tests will come in the draining humidity of both Singapore and China.
However, there are certainly signs of improvement from this current crop of players and even though the football still has room for improvement there is genuine optimism about the set-up which is being worked on.
Leeds should offer a sterner test when United return to the Optus Stadium on Wednesday, but after two weeks of pre-season training there are genuine signs of promise as Solskjaer looks to rebuild the club he cherishes so dearly.
