Erik ten Hag has four problems to solve at Manchester United ahead of Brighton test

It's been a rollercoaster start to the season for Manchester United on and off the pitch.

Having finished third in the Premier League last season - as well as ending the club's trophy hoodoo - Erik ten Hag will have demanded improvement from the outset after spending £190million on seven signings. However, for one or two reasons - some out of his control - it has been a topsy-turvy opening.

On the field, United have picked up only six points from a possible 12, while there have been off-field issues surrounding several players.

International players are primed and ready to return to Carrington following the September break. Here, we take a look at four problems Ten Hag will have to deal with before the Premier League campaign resumes.

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Deal with Sancho after public spat

Did anyone see that coming? Ten Hag dropped Sancho from the matchday squad against Arsenal for his form (or lack of) during training sessions and the ousted England forward hit back to deny those claims. Ten Hag is thought to stand by his initial comments, and the whole thing quickly became a bit of a mess. A firm response is required to make sure everyone - including Sancho - falls back into line. This is the number one priority right now.

Patch up his injury-hit United squad

While performances have, generally, been underwhelming, there is one vital caveat to take into account. Ten Hag and United have been without Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund (among others) for various games this season and, from those four, only