Man Utd and Brighton are complete opposites in the transfer market - the Seagulls have embarrassed their wasteful rivals with intelligent business

United won't be clear favourites when Roberto De Zerbi's side arrive at Old Trafford on Saturday, which is a sad indictment of their summer window

The pressure is building on Erik ten Hag after just four games of the new Premier League season. Manchester United finished third in the Premier League 2022-23 to secure a return to the Champions League while also ending their five-year trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup, with their Dutch coach rightly praised for overseeing tangible progress in his debut season.

But despite spending another £200 million ($250m) on transfers in the summer, United do not appear have moved up to the next level. Their woes on the road have continued with damaging losses to Tottenham and Arsenal already on their record, while unconvincing home wins against Wolves and Nottingham Forest have done little to convince critics that they have any hope of launching a genuine title challenge.

In stark contrast, Brighton look well placed to be the surprise package of the 2023-24 campaign. Roberto De Zerbi's men have picked up nine points from a possible 12 and wowed audiences with their fluid, attack-minded style once again — despite losing some talismanic figures.

It certainly wouldn't be much of a surprise if the Seagulls inflict more misery on United at Old Trafford this Saturday, in part because of the superb work they have done over a series of transfer windows. They are complete opposites from their weekend hosts in the market, and continue to put their rivals to shame with their intelligent business.