Stuart Dallas linked up with his United team-mates at Thorp Arch earlier this week on the back of an unforgettable summer both professionally and personally – and the winger says he has already seen enough to suggest the club is making strides in the right direction.

Dallas was part of the history-making Northern Ireland side that reached the knock-out stages of Euro 2016, featuring in all four fixtures in France, just a matter of weeks on from his wedding day in his hometown, Cookstown.

The 25-year-old, last season’s Players’ Player of the Year, has since resumed pre-season training with United and is now setting his sights on the domestic campaign ahead under new boss Garry Monk, who he says has made a positive early impression on the squad.

“It’s been hectic but it’s been good,” said Dallas, reflecting on his summer. “It was all go from the end of the season, so it’s finally good to be back in training.

“I’m hoping we can start the season well. The new gaffer has come in and there’s been a few changes. We’ve brought a few new lads in and everything is going in the right direction.

“We all want the same thing here – we all want to be successful, especially for this football club.

“I only got back here a few days ago but it’s been good. I’m impressed with what’s going on and I’m looking forward to getting going again.

“Obviously I’m going to need a few days to get going again. The players have had three weeks now and they’re going at full pace, whereas I’m only joining in with certain sessions and sitting bits out.

“I’ve just got to get up to speed again but I won’t have lost that much fitness – it was only two-and-a-half weeks ago when I played my last game.

“I’m fit but it’s just about a wee bit of fine-tuning to get me up to speed again.”

Dallas starred during his debut season with United – ending last term as our top appearance maker and with five goals to his name – but the winger insists he won’t be taking his place in the side for granted considering how the squad has been strengthened over the summer so far.

“The guys that have come in look sharp and they look good,” he said. “Nothing’s guaranteed in football – it’s up to me to come back, impress the manager and show him what I can do.

“It’s not all about individuals – it’s about the team. We need to have a successful year and we’ve got the squad here capable of doing that.

“The players like what they’ve seen so far with the new manager and I’ve got no doubts, if we start off well, that we can push on well this season.”

On working under Monk, Dallas added: “I’ve only been here a few days but I spoke to him a few times over the phone during the summer.

“I’m impressed with what’s going on and I can’t wait to get going now.”