Erik ten Hag is making a statement with Manchester United pursuit of Adrien Rabiot

There can be no underestimating the enormity of Erik ten Hag's task of rebuilding Manchester United. Not only does he need to break old habits, win over a fan base, set high standards, and restore self-belief, but he also has to do so while assembling a new-look squad at a time when his every move is being heavily scrutinised by the eyes of the world.

The opening day defeat by Brighton was disappointing, but not a disaster, and although some of the reaction to it has been extreme, it has at least burst the bubble from pre-season and reiterated just how big a job the new manager has on his hands.

The main goal for any new manager at Old Trafford is always the same. The fact that they have been hired typically means something has gone wrong previously, so their first job is to stabilise a sinking ship, get fresh supplies, and then set sail on a new path with the ambition of winning the Premier League.

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That is the basic blueprint for Ten Hag too, but he also has the additional task of rebuilding a squad that has been long overdue a ruthless clear out and is in need of a new identity after a summer in which so many senior players left for free.

It means that Ten Hag not only needs to reinforce his side with new signings before deadline day, but he also needs to bring in players with the right characteristics to improve a dressing room that is in transition.

Over-30s Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic, Edinson Cavani and Lee Grant all left the club upon the expiration of their contracts. It helped gave Ten Hag the clean slate required but also saw his dressing room rid of a key group of leaders.

It is this need for fresh leadership that certainly works in