Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been working hard to seek improvements from his side in Saturday’s first Premier League away game at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Although the Reds earned three points with a 1-0 victory over Fulham on the opening night, the manager feels there is a lot more to come from his side as we integrate the new signings and play the sort of football he wants to see.

So much of the attention at Carrington in the build-up to the Amex Stadium clash (12:30 BST kick-off) has been trained on fixing the ‘problems’ he has identified from the Old Trafford performance, which saw debutant Joshua Zirkzee grab the all-important goal late on.

Pre-match Q&A: Ten Hag’s plans for Brighton

Speaking to MUTV’s Zarah Connolly at the Jimmy Murphy Centre, Ten Hag said: “We have to improve and there are elements that should be better. We get a good review of the game and we took some problems out.

“We worked across the week on those problems, gave them solutions but also focused on our strengths. To even build further on those strengths.

“Most important is that we have the right team spirit. When I talk about the team, it’s not about 11 starters. We need 16 players and to be ready. So we will name the squad and, from those 20, we need 16 players to do the job and win the game.”

There was much emphasis from the manager on the squad unity, something apparent in the midweek meal in town, an example of the sort of bonding that has become familiar when preparing for the challenges that lie ahead.

“It’s good that they go together and have this meal but, finally, it has to result in togetherness on the pitch,” explained Erik. “So, yeah, they have to fight for each other. Football really is a team sport. It’s about collaboration and, if you know the person, you are willing to do more for him. And it’s about having the mentality, to compete shoulder to shoulder, fight for every inch; inch by inch. That is the right mentality and, when you can create this vibe, you can be a team that is very successful.

“That is what we are aiming for this season.”

Fish makes permanent move to Cardiff

Will Fish has completed a permanent move from Manchester United to Championship side Cardiff City.

Fish, 21, became the 240th graduate from our Academy when he made his senior debut in 2020/2021, as a late substitute in the final game of the season away to Wolves, having joined the club as a youngster.

The defender went out on loan to Stockport County later that year, and subsequently had further spells with Scottish side Hibernian in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns.