Fast forward to the start of July, and whilst progress on incomings has stalled, their transfer strategy is clear and, in theory, smart.
The signing of Matheus Cunha for £62.5m last month marked United's first acquisition of the summer, and it has been praised by supporters, the media, and critics alike as a shrewd piece of business. The Wolves forward was one of the best attacking threats in the Premier League last season and has been impressing in England's top flight for the past few seasons.
The numbers speak for themselves as Cunha delivered an impressive 21 goal involvements for one of the weaker sides in the Premier League, but it is watching him glide on the pitch, making the game look effortless, that makes the Brazilian stand out.
One of Cunha's standout performances from last season, which will have impressed his new boss Ruben Amorim, was when Wolves beat Manchester United 2-0 at the Molineux in December. The Brazilian scored direct from a free-kick before setting up his side's second goal on his way to a richly deserved player of the match display.
Cunha was recalled to the Brazil national squad by new coach Carlo Ancelotti for their two World Cup qualifiers in June, as a reward for his impressive club form. He took the opportunity to impress Ancelotti against Paraguay with both hands as he delivered a match-winning assist and was awarded player of the match.
The road ahead remains long
United's new number 10 must be just the start of a busy transfer window of activity. To solve some of the problems in a team lacking quality, experience and mental strength, United must soon sell to buy.
After losing to Tottenham in the Europa League final, funds remain in short supply, meaning the club needs to sell players who are not part of Ruben Amorim's future to fund a rebuild that last season's capitulation on all fronts proved to be necessary.
A boost in that regard might come in the form of Marcus Rashford. There has reportedly been interest in the England international from Barcelona, and that interest is likely to intensify now the Catalan giants have failed in their attempts to sign number one target Nico Williams.
On the signings front, it is no secret that Bryan Mbeumo is United's top priority, and it has been widely reported that the Brentford attacker will be the club's final piece of business before focusing on sales. The saga has been dragging on as Jason Wilcox and co attempt to agree on a fee with Brentford but remain short of the Bees' valuation.
Regarding outgoings, it's a similar story - progress is slow, and patience will be necessary. An update from Fabrizio Romano on Friday will provide some encouragement, however. He reported that Marcus Rashford, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho have all told the club they want to leave this summer and that the club will delay their return for pre-season.
There can be no mistaking the plan, then: either a mass exodus is coming or INEOS will have a real mess on their hands. It is time to clear the deck.
Supporters will be getting restless due to the lack of business, but patience is needed in a summer transfer window where the landscape can change from one month to the next.
The great challenge INEOS faces is to have the bulk of its outgoings and incomings completed by the time Manchester United kick off their Premier League campaign against Arsenal on August 17th. They might have time, but INEOS need to get a move on or risk creating even more discontent before a ball has been kicked in the 2025/26 season.
Premier League proven approach feels smart
Whilst last summer was a step in the right direction regarding signing the right type of profiles, with a good balance of youth and experience, this summer has to be better again. After well over a decade of more misses than hits, United need an almost 100% success rate in the next two to three transfer windows if they want any hope of being competitive with the country's top clubs.
With Cunha through the door, Mbeumo likely to follow and Ollie Watkins a reported striker target - the policy is clear from Wilcox. After countless summers neglecting the more trustworthy home market, United must feel that chasing players from abroad (who might not quickly adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League) is a bad idea for now.
It can't be a long-term approach because neglecting a huge pool of talent and players who fit the club's vision would be unwise, and the signing of 18-year-old Diego Leon suggests it isn't. However, in times of great scepticism from inside and outside the club, targeting mostly Premier League proven players in their prime for the first team feels like the smart and sensible way to approach a vital summer.
INEOS remain a hugely unpopular minority owner, and they have a big job ahead of them to earn United's fans' trust and begin providing Amorim with the platform to succeed.
There is no more room for false promises - INEOS must start to deliver a brighter future, or serious questions will once more be at their door.
It is time to prove they are better at running the club than the Glazers.
Do they genuinely want to bring this great club back from the ashes, or is it all just smoke and mirrors?