Every word Erik ten Hag said in Manchester United press conference ahead of Brighton fixture

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag addressed the media on Friday lunchtime to look ahead to Sunday's Premier League opener against Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford.

United, who completed their pre-season preparations with a 1-1 draw against Spanish side Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, will be determined to get off to a winning start and put three points on the board. The Reds experienced a mixed pre-season campaign, winning three, drawing two and losing one of their six friendlies.

But despite the indifferent results they recorded, there was plenty to be positive about, with the wins over Liverpool, Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace, in particular, featuring some very eye-catching individual displays, as well as strong collective showings. But focus now switches to the bread and butter of the Premier League and a showdown with Graham Potter's Seagulls.

Ten Hag has confirmed that Anthony Martial will miss out through injury, but refused to confirm whether or not Cristiano Ronaldo will take his place.

You can see everything Ten Hag had to say in our live blog below.

Thank you for joining us for our live coverage of this lunchtime's pre-match press conference. Stay tuned to the M.E.N website for more stories and reaction.

Erik ten Hag insists he is sanguine with the state of Manchester United's midfield despite no reinforcements in the area.

United have not signed an out-and-out central midfielder since Fred in 2018 and the departure of Nemanja Matic has left them without a recognised defensive midfielder.

The club have agreed an €85million fee with Barcelona for midfielder Frenkie de Jong but that pursuit is nearing the 13-week mark.

Click here to read more.

Erik ten Hag bristled at questions about Cristiano