Erik ten Hag has made perfect start to his four-word Manchester United promise

Erik ten Hag attended the final game of last season and he grimaced as Manchester United were defeated 1-0 by Crystal Palace.

Alex Telles, Harry Maguire, Fred, Scott McTominay, Anthony Elanga, Hannibal Mejbri and Edinson Cavani all started that afternoon at Selhurst Park and it's unsurprising they haven't featured in the 'most picked starting team' of this campaign.

Telles and Hannibal were sent on loan to Sevilla and Birmingham respectively, Cavani departed on a free transfer and the remaining four players, Maguire, Fred, McTominay and Elanga, have become peripheral squad figures by design.

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Elanga, who is likely to leave on loan this summer, last scored in February 2022 and he's below the level required. Maguire has made seven league starts, whilst Fred and McTominay have both been given just a few more starts each.

United endured their worst season for decades last year and the final day at Selhurst Park couldn't come soon enough. The away support in Croydon were relieved to hear the final whistle and they travelled home pondering the future.

Ten Hag was asked about that Crystal Palace game at his first press conference and said: "I've made an analysis, I observe, and I set conclusions, but I keep it now for myself. It’s in the previous season now and we look forward to the next."

Although he was coy with his answer, his actions have since suggested his 'conclusions' of that game weren't good. The necessary changes have been made - new signings, discipline and a fresh approach - and positivity has returned.

Could Ten Hag succeed at a club the size of United after managing Go Ahead Eagles, Bayern Munich II, Utrecht and Ajax? The answer