Tyrell Malacia is already giving Erik ten Hag what he wants at Manchester United

Back in the first game of the season, a 2-1 defeat to Brighton, Manchester United fans saw the same United from the year previous. Depleted, toothless, way below the demands of the supporters.

Whenever a goal went in, heads would go down as each player avoided eye contact with each other, feeling sorry for themselves as responsibility seemed to be passed from player to player. Body language that frustrates fans in attendance and damages the atmosphere within the stadium as the positive feeling of a good pre-season comes crashing back down to reality.

The lack of character and personality is a massive part of the way in which Old Trafford has become far from the daunting fortress it used to be for opposition teams. In years gone by when conceding first the ball would be quickly retrieved with motivating and reassuring communication across the pitch.

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This followed loud chants of United from the Stretford End as they looked to get behind the team in another Sir Alex Ferguson trademark comeback. This is in contrast to the complete lack of intensity shown by many players this season against Brighton and Brentford.

One positive that was picked out later by Gary Neville was the fight and determination shown by new signing Tyrell Malacia when substituted on in the second half against Brentford. His intensity off the ball raised the levels of other players and ensured United didn’t fall into further collapse. The Dutch left-back completed two tackles compared to Luke Shaw’s zero, displaying his aggressive approach.

The next game Erik ten Hag made the brave but justified decision to freshen up his back four. Malacia came in with Raphael Varane for Luke Shaw and Harry