Manchester United begin the new Premier League season against Brighton at Old Trafford in just over two weeks' time. 'This Is the One' by the Stone Roses will be heard as the players walk out, with hopes and dreams for the new campaign yet to be tarnished.
The atmosphere on the opening day of the season is always special. The anticipation on the terraces is tangible and the last of the summer weather provides the perfect backdrop at Old Trafford - the pitch will look immaculate. United have won more opening-day games in the Premier League than any other club and they'll be hoping to extend that record with Erik ten Hag in charge.
United began their pre-season on June 27, but Ten Hag is meticulous and he would have already been preparing for Brighton well before the players returned to Carrington. United have played three games in pre-season - Liverpool, Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace - and there have been glimmers of Ten Hag's philosophy, with a clear emphasis on efficiently pressing the opposition.
