Just 41 days have passed since that thrilling, breathless 2-1 victory over Aberdeen that secured European football for Dundee United.
But the Tangerines will soon be back in action.
Boss Jim Goodwin takes his charges to Brechin City on Saturday afternoon for their first pre-season workout, with a mix of promising kids, existing senior players and a sprinkling of new faces set to take the field.
Courier Sport analyses some of the questions ahead of the Terrors’ 2025/26 curtain-raiser.
Which new faces will appear?
Even in a glorified kickabout (two completely different 11s are likely to play each half), there is always a thrill for supporters to get their first glimpse of the new arrivals.
New goalkeeper Yevhenii Kurechenko is expected to arrive in Scotland over the weekend so will not make his bow in Angus. Dave Richards, Ruairidh Adams and Lewis Haldane are ample cover between the sticks for this one.
Zac Sapsford and Iurie Iovu have been in Dundee United training since day one of pre-season, while combative midfielder Panutche Camara has a full week’s work under his belt.
There is no reason all three should not get a run-out against Ray McKinnon’s men.
Who will wear the captain’s armband?
Regardless of the answer to this question, it may not be indicative of a permanent appointment.
Nevertheless, it will be intriguing to see who leads out the Tangerines at Glebe Park following the summer departure of Ross Docherty and his de facto vice-captain Declan Gallagher.
Homegrown defender Ross Graham would seem an obvious contender, while the understated, diligent Vicko Sevelj would provide a lead-by-example option. Will Ferry is known to be a big personality in the dressing room.
Of course, it is not out-with the realms of possibility that United’s skipper is yet to be recruited. Docherty was a new signing when he was handed the armband – albeit he was a very swift capture.
Could Goodwin’s call on Saturday provide a hint of things to come?
Will shape and strategy be sign of things to come?
United intend to tactically evolve this season.
They’ll play higher up the pitch, will press with more aggression and intensity – that is underlined by the physical profile of their summer signings to date – and will seek to be a more front-foot proposition.
That’s the theory, anyway. “Everyone has a plan until they are punched in the mouth” and all that.
It would be daft to think fans will get a proper sense of that transformation after just one full week of training, nevertheless Goodwin will want to see some of the early work on the training ground put into practice at Glebe Park.
And what formation will the United boss deploy?
That question may be answered out of necessity. Glenn Middleton has departed, Kristijan Trapanovski only rejoined training this week after an extended break due to being on international duty and Meshack Ubochioma is on his way out.
So, there’s not exactly a wide choice of wingers.
It may be a case of 3-5-2 due to the options available to Goodwin, however that is not to say he will not transition to a shape with more width in the fullness of time.
Can the kids shine?
It remains to be seen how many youngsters are afforded a chance to shine for the Terrors this term.
A big few weeks lies ahead for striker Owen Stirton and Scotland U/21 defender Sam Cleall-Harding. Goodwin has challenged both players to cement themselves as part of the first-team group this term.
That begins with a good pre-season and, if selected, impressing against UNA Strassen.
Charlie Dewar, Scott Constable and Adams enjoyed superb loan spells with Alloa Athletic, Stirling Albion and Kelty Hearts, respectively. Lewis O’Donnell and Rory MacLeod remain talents. All could come into contention.
Although further down the age range, Jamie Forrest and Marcus Buchanan are considered real prospects for the future and Goodwin may be tempted to give them a run.
It may seem churlish to suggest a low-key friendly against Brechin can carry much importance, but it is worth remembering that Brandon Forbes was the standout among the teenagers on show in the same fixture at this time last season.
As such, he was given a competitive chance by Goodwin, scored his maiden goal for the club in spectacular fashion against Ayr United and ultimately earned a six-figure transfer to Norwich City.
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