By the time Ed Woodward’s email dropped on Monday, the news came as little surprise to Manchester United staff.

They weren’t the first Premier League club to announce they wouldn’t be taking up the government’s furlough scheme – but after Liverpool’s spectacular misstep, since reversed, clarification was helpful.

“Our first priority as a club is that we look after you, our people,” wrote Woodward to around 900 staff. “During this rapidly-evolving situation, we have reviewed how we can best support all our colleagues within the Manchester United family.

“As you may know, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been created by the Government for companies to use.

"Currently, this extends through to 1 June, however, we can confirm that we will not be furloughing any staff as part of this scheme and we will be paying all our employees as if they were working as usual.”

United’s executive vice-chairman still has a long way to go to earn the love of supporters, who hold him accountable for the club’s dramatic decline over seven title-less years.

But during the coronavirus crisis, Woodward is yet to put a foot wrong.

And less than three months after his Cheshire mansion was targeted by angry protestors with flares, there are signs of a club beginning to reconnect with fans.

“My club” is becoming an ever-increasing response to latest measures being implemented in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Even the most cynical of fans have found little to grumble about - dating back to United’s swift response to their Europa League tie with LASK in February, which was ordered to be played behind closed doors at a late stage.

“If there’s a door, I’m getting in,” said one travelling fan, who was unable to get a refund on his flight to Austria.

“I’d like it if United would make a gesture,” he continued. “Even just a little one. But they never will.”

Less than 24 hours later came confirmation that the club would pay around 700 supporters £350 each to help cover the cost of flights and hotels, totalling £245,000.

That would prove to be United’s final game before the suspension of football across Europe and government lockdown in the UK.

It would also set the tone for United’s response to the pandemic, which has seen them be proactive from the start in trying to ease the financial concerns of staff and fans.

A further £1m was quickly pledged to 3,000 casual staff amid concerns over the remaining games of the season being played behind closed doors or cancelled, while season ticket holders were assured of refunds or rebates during the ongoing uncertainty.

These expensive decisions initiated by Woodward have been given tacit approval by owners the Glazers, with the club’s leadership said to be "keen to do the right thing.”

While there is an acceptance that United’s commercial strength as one of the richest clubs in the world means they are better placed than most to withstand the financial hit caused by coronavirus, the actions of Premier League rivals Liverpool (who have since performed a U-turn), Tottenham and Newcastle are evidence of how other owners have been prepared to take advantage of public money.

It’s understood discussions within United have centred on support for staff, fans, the community and the NHS, with an acknowledgement that the club is one of the biggest employers in the region.

Latest measures announced on Thursday followed a £50,000 donation made to foodbanks last month in a joint initiative alongside Manchester City.

A further 30,000 food and drink items have since been donated, along with medical supplies, while a fleet of 16 vehicles has been made available to the NHS, as well as free parking for NHS staff staying at Hotel Football.

It is an impressive list of gestures from a club that have often been criticised for prioritising finance above all else.

It follows on from other fan-friendly initiatives like freezing season ticket prices and introducing safe standing.

Improvement in performances on the pitch have helped too, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side producing an 11-game unbeaten run before the lockdown – including a memorable 2-0 derby win against City in their last home game.

Solskjaer himself was moved by the connection between players and fans.

In all, it is striking a chord with supporters rarely seen in recent times.

As one put it on Twitter: “Over the past few years they have got so many things wrong, but credit where it’s due, they have been bang on through this crisis.”