So much for a fresh start at Manchester United.
The appointment of Erik ten Hag was seen as heralding in a new era at the club, finally giving it some much needed direction after what has been a turbulent couple of years.
The Dutchman arrived from Ajax with a reputation for being a very tactically aware coach, one that would demand the highest standards from his players. While it is of course far too early to write it him off, the first two games of the campaign have made it clear that all of the same problems remain at Manchester United.
The loss to Brighton was a disappointing one, being outplayed by Graham Potter's side at Old Trafford. The hammering at the hands of Brentford was an altogether different beast with the team capitulating and finding themselves four goals down after only 35 minutes.
It is clear that the dressing room at United is not a healthy one, lacking both confidence and desire. Unsurprisingly, all has not been well within the group in recent times.
Manchester players involved in fight before Brentford game
As it turns out, tempers had become flared at the club even before that horrific loss at the weekend.
The Manchester Evening News are reporting that a number of players were involved in a dressing room row in the buildup to the game at Brentford, with frustrations boiling over only a week or so into the new season.
It is said that the presence of a want-away Cristiano Ronaldo in the squad and Harry Maguire retaining the club captaincy are two points of contention among the playing squad.
Ronaldo has not been shy in expressing his desire to leave, failing to report for the majority of pre-season and not exactly having a sterling attitude since his return.
The Athletic are reporting that the forward has been a disruptive presence in training as he argues against the high-pressing tactics employed by the new coaching team, while he has also been eating lunch alone at the club's training ground.
As for Maguire, many felt this summer was the right time for the club to appoint a new captain, while they are also said to be confused about his continued presence in the starting XI despite a dire run of form over the last 12 months or so.
Despite clearing out some influential members of the dressing room during the summer, a number of cliques within the squad remain.
Erik ten Hag was appalled with the team's performance against Brentford, cancelling the day off previously scheduled for yesterday. Instead, the squad were subjected to a heavy running session in 30 degree heat.
It may be early in the season, but it already looks as though this could be a long one for Manchester United.
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