Erik ten Hag was keen to make a good first impression at his official introduction as Manchester United's new boss.
At midday, Ten Hag strode into the media suite at Old Trafford, but rather than going straight behind the microphones to face questions, he insisted on introducing himself personally. Shaking hands with every member of the Manchester media pack on the front row, with an accompanying “Hi, I'm Erik”, Ten Hag soon realised he wouldn't be able to greet everyone in the cramped room.
At that point, the 52-year-old waved to those at the back and revealed his delight at the challenge ahead of him and desire to work and cooperate with the assembled journalists. Those who know ten Hag well say such a tactile gesture would have been his own idea, to immediately try to form a bond with those who will be scrutinising him week-in, week-out.
How long such bonhomie lasts remains to be seen, with Ten Hag facing arguably the biggest challenge of all the United managers in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, given the team's steep decline. With United having finished the season 35 points behind champions Manchester City and posted their lowest points total of the Premier League era, Ten Hag has a huge task on his hands.
He knows he needs time to implement his philosophy and to convince players of his methods, but he spoke with conviction and authority as he outlined his plan to take United back to the top. His English is rudimentary, with those who know Ten Hag saying he is determined to improve it before the new season starts, to aid his communication with his players and the world's media.
But there was an assurance about the former Ajax boss and a conviction in his own way forward, which Ten Hag will need in inheriting such a fractured and under-performing dressing-room. He spoke firmly of his belief that the domestic dominance enjoyed by Manchester City and Liverpool can be ended, a claim that will raise smirks and eyebrows at both clubs, given how far United have fallen behind their two main rivals in the past decade.
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In all, it was an assured first outing for Ten Hag as United boss, although his admission that today was the first time he had visited Old Trafford was a remarkable revelation from a man who has spent his working life in professional football. Such an admission reveals Ten Hag's lack of experience at the very highest level, despite his success with Ajax, and what a gamble United have taken by appointing him.
Whether it comes off remains to be seen, but Ten Hag will need all the support he can get as he tries to bridge the huge gap to City and Liverpool.
