For Manchester United fans at Old Trafford on Sunday, it felt a little like rewatching a film they’ve seen 100 times before. Except - spoiler alert - this one doesn’t have a happy ending.
United put in a hapless display against Brighton & Hove Albion on the opening weekend of the Premier League, one that was eerily similar to those on display last season under the watches of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.
This, after a pre-season which was largely positive for Erik ten Hag’s side, was not expected.
In their warm-up games, United played with freedom, fluidity and variety, while there was evidently more pressing off the ball and players appeared to be well versed when it came to carrying out their individual roles.
Admittedly, the performance in the final three friendly games weren’t at the same standard, but the timid display against Brighton was by far and away the worst so far from Ten Hag’s seven games in charge.
It led to a boos at half-time and full-time from supporters, while Ten Hag faced questions about mentality and fight that the United hierarchy had hoped would be consigned to the 2021/22 edition of the Red Devils.
But what exactly went wrong for Ten Hag’s men, and where were United left wanting on Sunday? We’ve picked out five deficiencies the Red Devils displayed against Brighton that were hallmarks of the team last season.
This, after a pre-season which was largely positive for Erik ten Hag’s side, was not expected.
5. Getting Ronaldo involved
Cristiano Ronaldo was introduced in the 53rd minute, with Eriksen dropping back into midfield, but like last season, it proved difficult to get the Portugal attacker involved. The 37-year-old tended to stand up front, rarely dropping deep and helping to link the play, while flicking the ball into team-mates in advanced areas was a rarity. Ronaldo produced just two meaningful passes, a cross into an offside Marcus Rashford, and a ball down the line for Diogo Dalot to swing in. The United No.7 managed just 12 touches in Sunday’s match and was a peripheral figure throughout.