Ruben Amorim was unequivocal.
Did he know what he wanted his squad to look like when Manchester United returned for the start of pre-season training in July?
"Yes," he said. "I have a clear idea what we want.
"As you know, we are a bit limited and we can't do it all in one summer but there is a clear picture for what we want."
These words were just over six weeks ago, as the United head coach bade farewell to journalists following the club's end-of-season tour to Asia.
With the club back in training, and the first pre-season game against Leeds in Stockholm on Saturday, it is fair to assume that desired clarity has not yet materialised.