Anticipation was high at Old Trafford on Sunday as Manchester United begin the 2022-23 season under new manager Erik ten Hag.
Last season was a struggle for United, which saw manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer shown the door by November and then witnessed interim successor Ralf Rangnick also flounder, with United finishing sixth in a humiliating end to a forgettable campaign.
Sunday's encounter against Brighton will therefore be significant for new boss Ten Hag in his first competitive match in charge after an intense pre-season that included big wins over Liverpool and Crystal Palace.
However, that does not mean it is all smooth sailing at United. Cristiano Ronaldo did not take part in the pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia due to personal reasons amid reports he wants to quit the club.
However, he did play against Rayo Vallecano and was on Sunday named on the bench for the season opener.
The mood, however, remains optimistic in the dressing room.
"I think definitely for the team we're moving in the right direction," United defender Luke Shaw told MUTV.
"The manager obviously had to come in and bring in his ideas, his structure, what he wants from the team - as a team and also individuals.
"I think everyone's sort of buying into that and really enjoyed pre-season.
"Like I said, we've definitely moved in the right direction but we've also got a lot to improve on. We know that, we know we need to get better."
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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag speaks with Cristiano Ronaldo during the friendly against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford on Sunday, July 31, 2022. Reuters -
Cristiano Ronaldo returned to action for Manchester United on Sunday. Reuters -
Cristiano Ronaldo shoots at goal against Rayo Vallecano. Reuters -
Manchester United's Amad Diallo celebrates scoring the first goal with teammate Tahith Chong. Reuters -
Manchester United's Ivorian midfielder Amad Diallo scores the opening goal against Rayo Vallecano. AFP -
Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United controls under pressure from Mario Saurez of Rayo Vallecano. Getty -
Manchester United's Isak Hansen-Aaroen in action. Reuters -
Manchester United's midfielder Christian Eriksen. AFP -
Christian Eriksen battles with Oscar Trejo of Rayo Vallecano. Getty
