Amad may get unexpected Manchester United role vs Brighton

It's been a summer of second chances at Manchester United. Of rejuvenation. Of comebacks.

Erik ten Hag has only been in charge for a couple of months and we're yet to see his side in competitive action, but the early signs have certainly been promising. The uncoordinated rabble that shambled to the finish line with a dismal points total last season now actually resembles a structured, drilled outfit that knows what it's doing.

Though just friendlies, United have looked much more comfortable in possession, easy on the eye, decisive in attack and aggressive in the press. Individually, several players who look dejected last season now look to have renewed self-belief.

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The biggest example of all is Anthony Martial. After his abject campaign last year, in which he scored just twice and had an absolute stinker on loan at Sevilla, his days at Old Trafford looked numbered. However, a lack of interest meant he was back in Manchester for the first day of training and then circumstances with Cristiano Ronaldo opened the door for him to get one last chance to lead the line.

Out on tour he looked like a completely different person, let alone player. Gone was the sulky, moody presence that moped around the pitch and instead there was a motivated, confident, electric front man in his place.

The Frenchman still missed good chances, but being in the position to take them was an improvement and he did manage three goals. More importantly, he was involved in most of United's dangerous attacks as a forward trifecta with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho looked to be growing into a dynamic and exciting proposition.

So it's a cruel twist of fate, of course, that