Everybody knew the revolution at Manchester United would take time. There were understandable concerns after they began with a first-ever home defeat to Brighton and were then hammered 4-0 at Brentford, but once Erik ten Hag had retreated to a compromise position and form stabilised, last season became one of transition, of Ten Hag slowly imposing himself and his method. More will be expected this campaign.
There was even, improbably, a brief moment when it seemed that United might be a third force in
