1. Brighton sharpness
Admittedly, Brighton played better. They showed their best against the Red Devils at Old Trafford and deserved to win. The away team also knew how to take advantage of their opportunities and showed sharpness in every shot.
Man United bowed to Brighton.
Three big opportunities were created by The Seagulls, leading to 3 goals lost by Man United. Danny Welbeck’s goal in the first half hurt Erik ten Hag’s team a lot. That goal somewhat changed the game, putting Man United in a difficult position. Unlike Man United, Brighton simply knows how to take their chances.
2. Ten Hag’s reserve teamHannibal Majbri came on and scored the goal – it was a great moment for the youngster. But in reality, Ten Hag’s substitutions could not change the match.
Mejbri and Anthony Martial entered the field in the 64th minute. The Tunisian international midfielder had an excellent match, however, the French star once again performed lacklusterly. It seemed a desperate attempt by Ten Hag, looking for goals from a player who simply did not provide it. Alejandro Garnacho is Man United’s great hope, but was brought onto the field too late.
3. The star does not shine
Man United soon had to depend on Hojlund.
What worries Man United fans this season is that when individuals don’t play on form, it’s hard to know where the goals are coming from. Marcus Rashford had an impressive first half, but his decision-making ability was problematic. And the rest of the Red Devils completely performed below their strength, whether it was captain Bruno Fernandes or a classy player like Casemiro.
Man United seems too dependent on Rasmus Hojlund too soon. Ten Hag’s decision to let the Danish striker leave the field was met with boos from the crowd… but remember, Hojlund is only 20 years old and this is his first start in the Premier League.
The Old Trafford team cannot rely on a 20-year-old player to succeed, which is a worrying sign.
4. Erik ten Hag’s mistake
Ten Hag decided to implement a new system… The 4-4-2 diamond looked great at first, but was a gamble and quickly fell apart. That was the mistake of the Dutch strategist. Brighton held the ball more, passed more and controlled the match well. The system that Ten Hag set up did not work.
Remember, Brighton’s starting lineup costs only £17 million – while Man United’s two summer recruits alone, Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana, can cost up to £120 million. The pressure is increasing day by day, on the Red Devils players and coach Ten Hag.
Minh Tuan | 20:17 September 17, 2023
