Ruben Amorim made a promise at the end of the 2024/25 campaign. He declared to the Manchester United masses that he would lead his side back from the nadir to which they had slumped after finishing 15th in the Premier League and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur.
There's a long way to go before the Portuguese tactician succeeds in realising his ambitions at the Theatre of Dreams, but despite falling to a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, there's no denying that United played with more purpose and togetherness than was on show last term.
And after the match, Amorim even went as far as to claim that the hosts were the better side, certainly showing an improved display of attacking strength through wide forwards Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both signed this summer.
It's good to have such players making their bow with wealths of Premier League experience already in the bank. Their ease against high-level English opponents was patent, and could be crucial in easing Benjamin Sesko into the swing of things.
Why Man Utd signed Sesko
Manchester United completed the £74m signing of Sesko earlier this month, beating off competition from Newcastle United to land the Slovenian's prized signature.
Sesko-career-stats-timeless
Benjamin Sesko
Having posted 39 goals and eight assists across 87 matches for RB Leipzig, the 22-year-old entered the summer market ready to make the next step in his career, and he has got his wish.
Remarked by talent scout Jacek Kulig to be "the new Haaland" for his vicious blend of pace, power and potency, Sesko has so much potential, though fans should be aware that he might take some time to bed into the English game.
Sesko might not be the finished product, but INEOS recognised his value and pounced, much like they did with Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba. The 21-year-old had emerged as United's top midfield target this month, but the Seagulls have closed the door on his departure.
Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba in action with Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic
Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba in action with Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic
Amorim knew his side needed a new number nine, and the same is true when looking at the middle of the park. A central midfielder would go a long way toward sealing a resurgence, and Jason Wilcox has the perfect player in his sights.
Man Utd in talks to sign new midfielder
According to transfer insider Ben Jacobs, Manchester United have added Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller to their late-window shortlist.
VfB Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller celebrates scoring their first goal
VfB Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller celebrates scoring their first goal
Amorim's desire to add more technical quality and press resistance to his central ranks is no secret, and Stiller, 24, would be a fantastic addition, with the German's name having "come up in discussions" held recently.
Liverpool had shown interest in May, with reports back then revealing FSG had prepared a €60m (£51m) bid. However, nothing came of it, and now the Red Devils could swoop in and land the midfielder for themselves.
What Angelo Stiller would bring to Man Utd
Stiller's Stuttgart teammate Denis Undav has remarked that the German talent is "one of the best sixes Germany has", with his elite range of passing blending perfectly against a natural-born combativeness in front of the backline.
Angelo Stiller for Stuttgart
Angelo Stiller for Stuttgart
Thanks to data from FBref, we can reveal that Stiller ranks among the top 3% of central midfielders across Europe over the past year for passes attempted, the top 1% for progressive passes, the top 9% for shot-creating actions and the top 8% for through balls made per 90.
A pass is considered progressive if the distance between the starting point and the next touch is at least 10 meters closer to the opponent's goal or any completed pass into the penalty area.
Amorim's high-pressing vision requires an engine in the centre capable of dictating play and channelling the flow across the three lanes. Stiller can sling creative passes forward with great accuracy, but he can also keep it neat in the middle, working those triangles together as United look to breach a pesky defensive line.
Angelo Stiller - Bundesliga Stats (24/25)
Stats (* per game)
Matches (starts)
Goals
Assists
Touches*
Pass completion
Big chances created
Key passes*
Dribbles*
Ball recoveries*
Tackles + interceptions*
Duels won*
Stats via Sofascore
It's safe to say Stiller, described by Sky Sports' Dougie Critchley as being a "special" player, was in fine fettle in the Bundesliga last season, slick on the ball and a veritable workhorse, presenting all the attributes required for a deep-lying midfield role in the Premier League.
And it's perhaps also fair to suggest that Stiller could have an even bigger impact than Sesko if he were to sign for United this summer, providing Amorim with that final piece in the middle of the park.
Sesko also hailed from the Bundesliga before switching to English grass, but he only scored 13 goals in the top flight last term, lacking the kind of consistency that United fans will expect him to realise after a period of transitional development.
Moreover, the young number nine has much to work on concerning his passing, lacking the precision and ease on the ball that will be required if he hopes to become a commanding focal point at the front of Amorim's system.
RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko celebrates scoring their first goal
RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko celebrates scoring their first goal
This is not to discredit what could be the start of a wonderful journey between striker and club, with Sesko undoubtedly carrying the potential of a world-class attacking talisman, but considering all that still needs fixing at Old Trafford, Stiller could prove a jackpot signing.
He's hungry for a chance to prove himself at an elite outfit, and bears the roundedness of a midfielder tailor-made for the Premier League. Now, Amorim and INEOS just need to make it happen.