Five players are forgetting that they are playing for their Manchester United futures

When Erik ten Hag first arrived at Manchester United back in May, nobody could have possibly prepared him for just how big a challenge he was about to face.

It was obvious from the outset that the club needed a complete cultural reset, the squad was desperate a world-class coach and new signings were required. Just two games into the Dutchman's tenure, the season is already threatening to become a write-off, with United propping up the other 19 Premier League clubs.

Saturday's 4-0 defeat to Brentford, which saw United produce one of their worst performances in the club's rich and colourful history, left them bottom of the pile without a point to their name after their opening two fixtures. They are also yet to score via one of their own players, with the only goal they have conjured up coming via an own-goal in their opening day reverse to Brighton & Hove Albion.

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The identity that United appeared to have rediscovered during the pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia has been anonymous in the opening two games, with Brighton and Brentford both making light work of Ten Hag's team, even if the 2-1 defeat to the Seagulls did not make such horrifying viewing. Performance-wise, however, it was just as bad and uninspiring.

United's collective failure in their opening two matches has stemmed from individual errors and a lack of belief, with the scars of last season still yet to heal. David de Gea, who deserved to start the season as Ten Hag's first choice goalkeeper after a good campaign last term, has been guilty of making costly errors at the back, while the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, who both showed signs of