Not only did the defeat and injury worries dampen spirits but Jadon Sanchos public rebuttal of Erik ten Hags training claims have caused a stir among the fan base, at the least. The Saudi window has now closed and the winger is still a United player.
Meanwhile, Antonys return from the international break is being delayed amid the allegations of abuse against women against him, all allegations he denies. He was dropped from the Brazil national team last week.
United will be looking forward to getting back onto the pitch after a poor start. The Reds have picked up just six points in their opening four games and sit 11th in the Premier League table.
A positive showing against Brighton in the first game back is needed. Here is what a perfect week would look like for Ten Hag ahead of Saturday.
Whoever is right or wrong, this sticky situation needs sorting as soon as possible. Sancho remains on United&aposs payroll and is at the discretion of his manager.
The winger is clearly a talented footballer, as seen during his time in Germany, and he is very much still of use. The best scenario sees Sancho and Ten Hag make up their differences in private as Sancho gets his head down on the training field ahead of squad inclusion versus Brighton.
How likely is that? Well, MEN Sport has learnt Ten Hag stands by his press conference comments while Sancho has pinned his social media statement to the top of his profile
Lisandro Martinez is back in full training with Argentina having missed their first match of the break with Bolivia due to the foot knock that forced him off against Arsenal. Rasmus Hojlund has made two substitute appearances for Denmark without blemish following his debut for United after his back problem.
The condition of Sofyan Amrabat is more vague. He withdrew from the Morocco squad as a precaution following an unspecified issue. That at least eliminates any further damage from being inflicted.
The most positive outcome sees United clear Amrabat to make his debut against Brighton following his deadline day switch.
That would most likely come from the bench anyway as he meets his new teammates this week and gets up to speed with the United way. Anything more than a two-game absence would be irking, especially with the Champions League beginning next week.
If theres one team you dont want to face after a break, its the slick and sublime Seagulls. Brighton, who sit on nine points, kick off their exciting European journey the following Thursday so one eye may be on AEK Athens in the Europa League.
