It does not feel like it has been away for long, but the Premier League is back.
Just shy of the competition s 30th anniversary, the action gets underway a week earlier than usual as club football attempts to adjust to the upcoming mid-season World Cup in Qatar.
Narratives galore have emerged over the pre-season, but in terms of opening-weekend curiosity, it is fair to suggest Old Trafford will attract more than its fair share of intrigued glances.
Another new era begins at Manchester United on Sunday as Erik ten Hag takes charge of his first competitive match at the club.
There s a long list of managers who have failed to bring sustained success to United since Alex Ferguson s retirement nine years ago – Ten Hag will hope he can buck the trend, and …