1. Signals of intent

Cambridge were one of the big stories of the fourth round in last season’s FA Cup when they held giants Manchester United to a goalless draw to earn a lucrative replay at Old Trafford. Aside from the performance being hugely impressive in its own right, it meant an injection of £1 million for the club.

Many might have expected Cambridge to splash out on a player or two to aid their promotion bid in light of such a windfall, but the aptly-named U’s boss Richard Money has indicated that the club will be spending the proceeds of their cup run more wisely.

Instead of a foray into the transfer market, United have directed the funds into improving the club’s training facilities and renovating the Abbey Stadium. The pitch has also come in for a revamp – expect a more technical and accomplished style of play, Swansea-lite perhaps...

What all of these improvements to the club infrastructure indicate is simple: real ambition.

2. Tried and Tested

While 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formations abound in the cash-gilded stadia of Europe’s elite, 4-4-2 is still king in England, especially in the lower divisions. In Harrison Dunk and Ryan Donaldson, United possess a pair of young, traditional wingers perfect for this style of play.

Both Dunk and Donaldson have featured regularly for the U’s in recent seasons and look to once again.

And let's not forget Cambridge’s prodigal son, Luke Berry, who returned to the Abbey this summer after a stint with Barnsley last season. Only 23, Berry has already racked up over 100 appearances for the club and will be looking to add more.

3. Added firepower

Question: when offered the dizzying heights of League One, who could refuse such temptation? Barry Corr, that's who. Part of the Southend United side that beat Wycombe Wanderers to secure promotion to League One in May’s playoff final, 30-year-old Corr was by no means deemed surplus to requirements at Roots Hall as the Shrimpers prepared for life in a new division. However, the striker turned down the prospect of the third tier and signed a two-year contract with Cambridge instead. Win.

A proven goal scorer in League Two, having netted 15 times last season – reaching double-figures in three out of his five seasons on the Essex coast – the 6’3” target man ties in well with United’s preference for playing with two wingers.

He may also be of value defensively for the U’s, a major plus for a team that conceded the seventh greatest number of goals of any club in the division last season. The Irishman’s inclination to play with his back to goal coupled with his size should allow the Cambridge defence to clear the ball up-field to a target man whose hold-up play they can have confidence in.

4. Defensive reinforcements

While ranking among the division’s leakiest defences last season hardly inspires much excitement, Cambridge look to have shored up their backline for the coming season with two centre-backs who plied their trade in League One last season. Mark Roberts and Leon Legge have joined from Fleetwood and Gillingham respectively.

Captain at Fleetwood, Roberts will don the armband for United as well this season, a testament to his ability to marshal a defence. Between him and tough-tackling Legge, Cambridge ought to find themselves with a surplus of steel at the back in comparison to last season.

5. A dream start

With expectation growing all summer long, Cambridge had to face the music in their first game of the new season. They kicked off their campaign at home to Newport, who finished ninth in the division last season, just six points off a play-off place.

The scoreboard at the final whistle told the story of a perfect start – a 3-0 win and two goals for Corr. Up for a rematch, Louis?

@harryjcurtis

As if that wasn't enough reason to check out the U's, watch out for a term-time season ticket coming in at just £75...