Manchester United have ideal deadline to complete Erik ten Hag transfer rebuild

Following the release of the 2022/23 Premier League fixtures on Thursday morning, we now know that the Erik ten Hag era at Manchester United will officially begin against Brighton at Old Trafford.

It will mark United's first meeting with the Seagulls since the 4-0 hammering they suffered on the south coast in May, but the mood around Old Trafford on Sunday, August 7 promises to be much more vibrant and positive. The horrors of the 2021/22 campaign will be nothing more than a distant memory and everyone will be looking forward to seeing how United get on in their first competitive match of the new era.

Although not too much pressure should be applied to Ten Hag's shoulders too soon, he will be expected to significantly improve standards quickly. United cannot experience the lows they suffered all too frequently last season again. Standards will have to be set and maintained.

READ MORE: Manchester United Premier League fixture list for 2022/23 season confirmed

United's opening two league fixtures against Brighton and Brentford offer Ten Hag the opportunity to get a taste of Premier League football before his first big test arrives on August 20 against Liverpool. After being battered 9-0 on aggregate by Jurgen Klopp's side in the most recent campaign, United can ill-afford to get anywhere close to repeating such embarrassing and disjointed performances.

But regardless of what happens against United's great rivals, win, lose or draw, the outcome of that match will not be enough to judge Ten Hag's start to life in charge. The season will be three games old, players will still be building up their fitness levels and the chances of the Dutchman having completed his transfer business are slim. United will be a long way from