And so the attention switches to the Theatre of Dreams rather than the stuff of dreams.

It is not too long ago that a trip to play Manchester United at Old Trafford would have been the talk of Albion fans and media in the days leading up to it.

On this occasion, it felt like we were hauling our attention back to the matter at hand with that first European adventure just a few days away.

Stuff of dreams? Not even that. European football was undreamt of until very recently.

Tickets for the home game, travel plans and looking after yourself in the cauldron of Marseille.

Such topics have been the talk of the fanbase.

But where better to kick off this first European week than at a true theatre of European football?

The home of the first English club to be champions of the continent, whose history is shaped both by European glory and tragedy.

There is a huge goal for the Seagulls – to be the first Premier League team to beat United on their own patch since they did it themselves one year, one month and one week ago.

To be the first away team to win at the famous venue since Real Sociedad did so in the first Europa League game last term.

Speaking in a briefer than usual press conference (it was a busy day), Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi said: “I am looking forward to seeing the stadium, to play in the stadium.

“It is an honour for me. I hope the result can be positive because I don’t want to be a tourist.

“But I think playing this game in this stadium is an honour for everyone and we can’t forget it.

“We have to think we are proud but we want to play in the right way.

“We want to win and we want to follow this moment.

“Man United is still a great team, great players, great manager. One of the best managers in Europe. Great atmosphere, I think.

“But we are Brighton and the DNA of Brighton is try to win playing well, playing football, keeping the ball.

“But being humble, with the right attitude, the right behaviour.”

United have their own issues as they welcome the Seagulls.

Ongoing back-page headline grabbing issues involving Harry Maguire and Jadon Sancho to follow those around Antony and Mason Greenwood.

But they also have a wealth of talent and a 20-match unbeaten home record in the league.

And, somehow, six points out of six at their own stadium this term.

De Zerbi and his side will be encouraged by the way Erik ten Hag’s men struggled at times against Wolves, who cut them open at will on counter raids, and Nottingham Forest, who led 2-0 inside five minutes.

But they will also note that somehow United found a way to eke out wins.

Albion fans will have empathised with their Wolves and Forest counterparts.

Many will recall games at the same venue where their men have been the better side for long periods, especially in the first half, but come up empty-handed until Pascal Gross’s double at the start of last season.

That was the day they ruined Ten Hag’s debut as United boss.

They also caused him all sorts of problems at Wembley and beat his side in the last few seconds at the Amex late last season.

All after Ten Hag’s progress to this hot seat was smoothed by, among other results, the 4-0 humiliation handed to Ralf Rangnick’s United.

Ten Hag said: "I love to play them. We have to be at our best because they will make you sacrifice and suffer. I'm looking forward to the fight."

United have Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof back to fitness although fellow defender Raphael Varane misses out, as does Mason Mount.

The back pages have been dominated by England centre-backs since Tuesday night.

Maguire in the nationals and Lewis Dunk in The Argus.

Dunk will now look to readjust to club football after the deserved acclaim for his efforts at Hampden.

De Zerbi said: “I watched the game. I am very proud of him and all the players when they play for their national teams.

“For Pascal it was the first time (he played for Germany).

“Lewis deserved to play for the national team.”

United will give Dunk a tougher test than Scotland.

For now it’s all thoughts on Old Trafford.

(Although, if you are interested, AEK will face Olympiacos without last season’s top scorer Levi Garcia and key attacking midfielder Mijat Gacinovic, which appears to make them doubts for the Albion game).

Albion’s progress or otherwise this season will hinge on their ability to reel off performance after performance.

To be strong, fresh and resilient enough both physically and mentally.

That test all starts now. On to Old Trafford - still one to be excited about.