Manchester United might discover uncomfortable truth about Erik ten Hag rebuild with Liverpool fixture

Erik ten Hag was pictured writing on his notepad when watching Manchester United play Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on the final day of last season. Palace defeated United 1-0 that afternoon and Ten Hag was shown the size of the challenge ahead.

"Buy new players," the notepad might have read. After United conceded their second goal against Brentford at the weekend, the camera focused on Ten Hag's expressionless face. Ten Hag was unmoved by the disaster that was unfolding, but he was seen writing on his notepad again. "Buy new players," the notepad might have read. Ten Hag was watching his side struggle again.

Although Ten Hag was not in charge when the Reds were defeated by Palace on the final day of last season, he's now watched three competitive United matches in person and all three performances have been awful, which has resulted in three defeats.

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After the worst defeat at the club for 50 years last Saturday, Ten Hag will be desperate to secure the first points of the Premier League season, but United are set to play rivals Liverpool next. The circumstances for Ten Hag's first derby are far from ideal.

Liverpool have drawn against Fulham and Crystal Palace and they head into this game without summer signing Darwin Nunez, who is suspended after receiving a red card. It seems like a good time to play Liverpool but they remain formidable opposition.

Jurgen Klopp's side were ruthless when playing United last season. They beat United 5-0 at Old Trafford and 4-0 at Anfield, and they should have scored more goals in both matches. It added to the embarrassment that Liverpool's domination was effortless.

Ten Hag has the challenge of