Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was spotted in some exalted company earlier this week as he went out for dinner with a legend from the club's recent history in Robin van Persie.
Ten Hag has come under some scrutiny this season despite ending the Red Devils' trophy drought last term with Carabao Cup success, with things not quite going to plan in 2023-24.
Although United have not lost a game in 2024, there have been a number of off-field issues involving Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, to name a few, against the backdrop of poor form throughout the campaign.
However a win over West Ham on Sunday put Ten Hag though in a celebratory mood on after thumping the Hammers on his home turf, and was seen out for dinner on Monday night with his compatriot.
The United boss, his agent Kees Vos and Van Persie treated themselves to a four-hour dinner at Italian restaurant Cibo in Hale Village.
Items on the menu at the Italian restaurant include lobster ravioli (£20), Dover Sole (£45), Halibut steak (£30) and grilled veal cutlet (£36).
Van Persie attracted plenty of attention when he made an appearance in the directors’ box at Old Trafford on Sunday.
He was part of the side that sealed their last Premier League titles back in 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson's final season at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman played a crucial role in firing United to the title, and chants from the fans on Sunday showed that they won’t forget Van Persie’s contribution in a hurry.
The trio were spotted leaving the restaurant in good spirits before going their separate ways, with affairs on the field going far better for Ten Hag of late.
Following a first half of the season that left a lot to be desired - to say the least - the Red Devils have seemingly begun to turn things around of late.
Rasmus Hojlund has scored in each of his last four Premier League games, Kobbie Mainoo has emerged as one of the most promising midfielders in recent years at the club, and Alejandro Garnacho has taken his season tally to seven.
Ten Hag's side have also ensured they will continue in the FA Cup after avoiding a shock upset against Newport County.
While Lisandro Martinez's injury so soon after his return will surely be a concern, Andre Onana's Cameroon fell early at the Africa Cup of Nations, meaning that Ten Hag has already got his No 1 back.
Martinez had only recently returned from a long-term metatarsal problem when it was confirmed he had sustained a knee injury, Ten Hag saying: 'It doesn’t look good, so there’s a big concern. We have to wait for the diagnosis, then we can tell you more.
‘He is very sad, very disappointed. We are with him. It’s a personal disaster. He is just returning. He is very important for us. He brings spirit to the team, aside from his football ability. Hopefully it is not too bad, we can only pray.
‘He worked so hard to return and now, after four games, it looks like he has to sit some games out again.’