The boss feels his team will look more like the one that is likely to start the Premier League season when a number of his World Cup stars return to the fray. Nemanja Matic is already in the States, although Jose says he won’t feature against AC Milan, with David De Gea and Fred due to link up with their colleagues next week.

With the International Champions Cup tournament starting on Thursday (04:05 BST) in the Reds’ next outing, the competitive element could aid United after consecutive draws in the friendlies with Club America and San Jose.