Steve McClaren has already made his feelings clear on Manchester United underachievers

Of all the low moments Manchester United have experienced over the last decade, few were quite as sombre as the second-half at Brighton a week ago.

United were anything but that on the pitch, with a disjointed and disinterested performance from a group of individuals who looked as if they would rather be anywhere else but there.

"You're not fit to wear the shirt," was the chant from the away end, as the loyal matchgoing Reds, so often the voice of reason, finally snapped at a team who has let them down on countless occasions this season.

READ MORE: John Murtough has blueprint for Manchester United revival

It's hard to remember a time when the connection between players and fans has been so loose, and it's hard to recall a side in the club's illustrious history that has been so lacklustre.

A lack of effort is not something which has crept in over recent weeks either, with attitude problems rife for much of the season and exposed to new extremes when Ralf Rangnick replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last November.

Erik ten Hag will have a huge job on his hands if he is to implement the 'winner's mentality' he pinpointed as a key factor behind Ajax's latest title win in midweek, and key to that will be a ruthless overhaul of the playing squad which has failed so often across the campaign.

Another important component will be the staff he brings in to support him, one of whom has already made his feelings very clear about the underperforming players this season.

Steve McClaren, the former England manager and assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson at United, is being targeted by Ten Hag for a role on his backroom staff and is viewed as someone who could bring priceless insight into the politics of the club.

Ten Hag was one of McClaren's