Erik ten Hag's next possible saviour shows Manchester United have got major problems

There was reputed applause in the home dressing room at Old Trafford while Brighton celebrated in their sanctuary across the tunnel.

Whenever Manchester United kept the ball out of their net in the Allianz Arena, high-fives were ubiquitous, never mind that they were trailing. The mentality at United is so fragile again that there is self-congratulation in defeat.

The mood was not as upbeat in the away dressing room at half-time on Wednesday evening. United's sudden capitulation after a commendable first 27 minutes irked Erik ten Hag so much the players re-emerged five minutes before the restart.

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Bruno Fernandes holds a huddle prior to second halves yet United are a muddle. Fernandes was particularly abysmal against Bayern Munich and while he has captaincy credentials, he has to finesse his leadership. His loose pass led to Mathys Tel slamming in his decisive half-volley.

United are rather rudderless at the moment and Ten Hag is about the most authoritative figurehead. The cosy alliance with Ten Hag's agent, Kees Vos, undermines some of the laudable work football director John Murtough has overseen, chief executive Richard Arnold's steady guidance has wobbled with the botched reintegration of Mason Greenwood to the squad and the handling of allegations against Antony.

The communications office is led by someone based in London - a throwback to Ed Woodward's tenure - who concedes they did not follow football prior to their appointment. The absentee landlords, the Glazers, are so distant they are barely worthy of mention.

The manner of United's defeats this season have not plumbed