Erik ten Hag tactical gamble failed for Manchester United vs Brighton

"Can we play you every week?" was the request from the jubilant away end as Brighton inflicted another miserable day on Manchester United. Seats were being vacated around the rest of Old Trafford, supporters voting with their feet with their side 3-0 down at home.

Those who left early missed Hannibal Mejbri's excellent consolation goal, but it was of little comfort. This was another alarming day for a team that has lost its mojo from last season and already look in danger of squandering their place in the top four.

This week they return to the Champions League in Munich, but Erik ten Hag must already be concerned about whether his side has what it takes to make their stay in that competition extend beyond one season. It's too early to jump to definitive conclusions, but United are 12th, nine points behind Manchester City already and seven adrift of Liverpool and Tottenham, possibly Arsenal if they beat Everton on Sunday.

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The jeers that accompanied the decision to withdraw Rasmus Hojlund betrayed the feelings of United's matchgoing fans, who will know they are seeing a pale imitation of the side they took to their hearts last season. Too open at the back, too wasteful in attack, too easy to play against.

United's international break had been disastrous. In the space of two weeks, they had managed to lose £158million worth of right-wingers, with Antony and Jadon Sancho unavailable for selection.

While the rest of Ten Hag's squad were at Old Trafford preparing for this game, Sancho was wrapped up in a hoody at Carrington watching the under-18s as he continued to train his own. His future looks to be