There were two words that Erik ten Hag repeated so often last season that they almost became a mantra for the Manchester United manager. Personality and character. It was what he felt the squad lacked whe he arrived, what they showed at times last season and what they didn't when those dispiriting defeats that are still a hallmark of this side occurred.
The Etihad, Anfield, St James' Park and the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan are all venues that would bring United out in a cold sweat. They surrendered meekly in all of those fixtures and for all the success of a trophy, another cup final and third place, they were also days that left a stain on the season.
They all occurred away from home and travel sickness was Ten Hag's biggest problem last season. United didn't lose again in the league at Old Trafford after the opening day of the season but they didn't win away from home against any of the top nine either.
