Manchester United Fall to Brighton: Late Defeat Highlights Away Struggles

Manchester United vs Brighton: A Deep Dive into a Mixed Performance

Manchester United faced Brighton in a match that offered a blend of highs and lows for the Red Devils, ultimately leading to their first defeat of the season. Here's an analysis of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly from this encounter.

The Good: Diogo Dalot’s Defensive Brilliance

One of the standout players for Manchester United was Diogo Dalot, who showcased his prowess both in defense and attack. In the first half, he was instrumental in pressing forward, delivering a pinpoint cross that set up an early chance for Amad Diallo.

Dalot's remarkable 25-yard shot nearly found the back of the net, but it was in defense where he truly shone. In the second half, as Brighton tightened their right side, Dalot rose to the challenge, effectively neutralizing winger Yankuba Minteh with a spectacular sliding tackle right in the box. Furthermore, his defensive acumen was on full display when he cleared a potential game-tying effort from James Milner off the line, earning him the title of United’s best player on the pitch.

United’s Pressing Game Shows Promise

Before injury struck, Mason Mount was pivotal, maintaining an impressive counter-pressing effort which helped push Brighton back. Together with Bruno Fernandes, the duo formed an effective partnership that stymied Brighton's passing game in the first half. However, after Mount’s departure at halftime due to injury, United struggled to replicate that intensity, allowing Brighton to regain control of the match.

The Bad: Joshua Zirkzee's Costly Mistake

Joshua Zirkzee, who recently scored a winning goal against Fulham, became the villain in this outing. His failure to clear a cross from Bruno Fernandes while in an offside position denied United a potential second-half lead. His ill-timed slide combined with the slippery pitch resulted in a near-miss that could have changed the game’s outcome, a mistake acknowledged by both Erik ten Hag and Brighton’s boss.

Mason Mount’s Injury Troubles

Mount, in his third consecutive start, again proved vital to United's pressing style before sustaining an injury. Having already missed significant time last season, there are concerns about his fitness and ability to contribute consistently moving forward.

Marcus Rashford’s Struggles Continue

Another disappointing performance from Marcus Rashford saw him substituted after 65 minutes without a shot to his name for the second straight match. His lack of involvement in the attacking third has raised eyebrows, as he appears unable to cope with the pressing demands compared to his teammates. With only two touches in the opposition box, Rashford's form is becoming a pressing concern for United.

The Ugly: Late Game Collapse

Manchester United’s late-game management has been a chronic issue, as they once again paid the price for their inability to hold onto a lead. The team has suffered more late defeats since the 2022-23 season than any other Premier League side, highlighting a worrying trend. A critical change that saw Scott McTominay substitute Fernandes instead of bringing on the more experienced Casemiro proved detrimental, allowing Brighton to capitalize and score the late winner.

A Weak Mentality Away from Home

With no wins in their last 14 away games in which they conceded first since October 2022, it is starkly evident that Manchester United struggles under pressure. Coupled with an alarming away record under Ten Hag, fans and analysts alike question the team’s resilience when the going gets tough.

Conclusion: Room for Improvement

As Manchester United reflect on this mixed performance against Brighton, it becomes clear there are areas requiring immediate attention. From injury management to addressing mental fortitude, the Red Devils have to rally together to forge ahead and reclaim their form in the Premier League.