After several weeks of talking, Manchester United will get the chance to write the first chapter of the Erik ten Hag era when they welcome Brighton to Old Trafford this afternoon.
United, who were brushed aside by the Seagulls in their most recent meeting, losing 4-0 at the Amex Stadium back in May, will be determined to get their 2022/23 Premier League campaign off to a winning start and put a much-craved smile back on the supporters' faces. Pre-season, despite a lot of the attention focusing on a lack of new signings, was encouraging for the Reds, even if they failed to win any of their last three friendlies.
Ten Hag saw his side register three wins, two draws and one defeat from their six warm-up matches, with the three victories producing plenty of evidence to suggest that the players have bought into what Ten Hag wants from them. Although you never want to get too high after wins in pre-season, United's successes over Liverpool (4-0), Melbourne Victory (4-1) and Crystal Palace (3-1) produced plenty of encouragement, not just for Ten Hag but also the fans.
