It was only an everyday photograph to the non-Manchester United-supporting world.

To those inside Old Trafford in early February last year, it represented a long-overdue beacon of hope as three fledgling faces beamed from the advertising hoardings, surveying the kingdom they were readying to conquer.

A modern-day United Trinity for the digital age. Like Denis Law, Bobby Charlton and George Best, immortalised in bronze outside Old Trafford, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund looked at home by each other’s side, relaxed enough not to be overawed by the enormity of what lay ahead.

Even though the image of brotherhood and unbridled joy in a 3-0 victory over West Ham was over 18 months ago, that day is as good as it got for all three.

It is not out of the realm of possibil

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