Erik ten Hag’s first line-up shows how much he has developed Manchester United

Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United tenure got off to the worst possible start with a home defeat to Brighton last season. A humbling 4-0 thrashing at Brentford followed in a quick and harsh lesson that the United boss learned from.

A nine-day break was enough time for him to enact the changes he needed to see United to a 2-1 victory over Liverpool to kickstart his reign and spark an unbeaten home run in the Premier League that is still ongoing.

Ten Hag's line-up on the opening day is very different to what his strongest XI was later in the season. The squad will be further improved over the summer but even by the end of the season, his first-choice team was markedly stronger than the one that faced Brighton.

Casemiro and Antony had not yet signed for the club as the boss named a midfield three of Fred, Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes. With Anthony Martial injured - a status he would hold for most of the season - new arrival Christian Eriksen was played as a false nine.

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That ploy failed drastically, the player himself even looking back on it with a laugh of disbelief later in the season. There was some continuity across the campaign. David de Gea - currently out of contract - started every Premier League match and ultimately won the Golden Glove award. Fernandes was an ever-present in midfield while Marcus Rashford was the first-choice left winger when not required up top.

But on the other flank, Jadon Sancho did not carry his pre-season form into the new campaign. He ultimately took a break away from the team over the festive period and was entrusted again in the closing months but