Alan Shearer delivers brutal verdict on Man United player – he doesn’t understand the position

Alan Shearer has delivered a brutal verdict on one Manchester United player after the 2-1 defeat against Brighton, suggesting that he doesn’t understand his own position.

Manchester United were defeated 2-1 by Brighton in their second Premier League match of the season.

The Reds dominated much of the first half but failed to take their chances, and Brighton broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute.

Erik ten Hag’s team equalised in the second half with a goal from Amad Diallo and appeared to net a second, but it was disallowed due to a bizarre offside call involving Joshua Zirkzee.

Brighton then delivered a decisive blow in the final minutes, sealing the victory with a goal that left United’s defence under intense scrutiny.

While the defenders were criticised, it was still apparent how poor United were in the final third. They have already missed six ‘big chances’ in the league this season, more than any other team after the opening two games.

“They scored 57 goals last season, which was the worst in the top half. So Ruud van Nistelrooy has been brought in there and he’s going to have to work his magic somehow,” Alan Shearer began his analysis on Match of the Day.

“I know they’ve got Højlund out injured, but when he comes in, he’s going to have to improve that.

“Because, on today’s evidence and in the game against Fulham, it’s not been anywhere good enough in front of goal.”

Marcus Rashford did score in the game, but the goal was ruled out for offside. The English winger was caught by the flag twice in the game, and Shearer believes that there is no excuse for the 26-year-old.

Gary Lineker initially suggested that it is a positive sign that Rashford was looking to make those runs despite being caught offside.

“But he’s not a youngster anymore, Gary,” Shearer responded. “He has to understand the position and look across the pitch. When you can see the whole of it, you shouldn’t be offside.”

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is released every Thursday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.