Brighton 2-1 Manchester United: Five things noticed, including big red flag for Erik ten Hag

Five things noticed as Manchester United fell to a 2-1 defeat against Brighton in the Premier League on a rainy Saturday afternoon.

Erik ten Hag named an unchanged XI as Manchester United faced table-toppers Brighton away from home in the Premier League on a wet Saturday afternoon on the south coast.

The tie started with both teams having a spring in their step, and half-chances were made for each XI during the opening 10 minutes. After a brilliant cross from Diogo Dalot on the left-hand side, Amad Diallo was handed a brilliant chance, but the Ivorian international could not convert at the back post.

Read More: Player Ratings – Brighton 2-1 Manchester United (Premier League)

As the tie went on, United continued to dominate, suffocating Brighton’s defence off the ball and looking expansive on it. At the same time, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui made vital tackles when called upon.

However, Brighton struck first, as former United striker Danny Welbeck tapped in a simple low cross to score his 100th career club goal and hand the Seagulls the lead. Although Rashford scored immediately in reply, the equaliser was rightly ruled out for offside.

The second half saw Joshua Zirkzee replace Mason Mount and slot in as the team’s striker after 45 minutes, and Dalot was called into action minutes later, clearing a shot off the line from James Milner to keep Brighton from nicking a second.

Welbeck hit the bar with a header from a free kick just before the 60-minute mark. In an immediate reply, Amad cut inside after a great pass from Noussiar Mazraoui and, with the help of a huge deflection, was able to grab an equaliser.

Substitute Alejandro Garnacho then scored another goal after a brilliant move from United, but it was ruled out for the smallest offside as it knocked Zirkzee as it crossed the line, despite being an open goal anyway.

As the final 10 minutes crept up on the Amex Stadium, both teams were gunning for all three points, and it was a brilliant headed goal from Joao Pedro in the 90+5th minute of added time that sealed all three points for Brighton.

#1 – Nothing stopped Mount for 45 minutes

While it’s well known that a football game becomes slower and more unpredictable in the rain, this did not stop Mount. From the opening minutes, he was again relentless with his pressing, making the Brighton backline feel uncomfortable from the opening moments of the game.

On the ball, Mount started to shine through and had a shot before halftime saved. He was unlucky to come off at half-time, with commentary suggesting it may be through an injury, although this is unconfirmed.

Hopefully, this is not the case, and it is purely a tactical change. Mount may be pivotal against Liverpool at Old Trafford next weekend.

#2 – United still getting to grips

It is obvious that the United squad are still getting to grips with Ten Hag’s style of play since the start of pre-season, but there are signs that the players are getting the hang of it.

Introducing players such as Mount, Martínez, and Mazraoui into the team have helped the side become much calmer in possession while also putting much more pressure on their opposition.

There were a few heart-stopping moments against Brighton, and it was a lapse in concentration that led to the opening goal, which will undoubtedly anger the Dutch boss.

#3 – After the goal, United didn’t pick up

In the opening 30 minutes, United were by far the better team, but after Brighton’s goal, they became much more reclusive. Although the play was much improved from points last season, United looked like they weren’t willing to take a risk, while Brighton were.

In the second half, Brighton started as the dominant team and were very threatening to Untied’s goal, but Amad’s deflected strike gave Ten Hag’s men new-found belief.

United’s need for a goal and a moment of brilliance in order to regain confidence is a big red flag for Ten Hag. If the team wants to become a winning machine, they need to be able to pick themselves up at the flick of a switch.

#4 – Amad’s season is underway

In the first half, while United were the dominant side, Amad did not have his best game. However, while some thought he might be substituted for Zirkzee at half-time, he stayed on and repaid Ten Hag’s faith in the young winger by grabbing the equaliser.

Despite the loss, Amad can hold his head high for his performance in the second half before his substitution. United’s attack is still a little disjointed, and they need to improve.

#5 – Defeat, but stay calm

United’s loss is definitely a downer. Ten Hag has succumbed to Brighton in the opening fixtures across all three seasons so far, but it does not feel like the other two.

Previously, United have been wholly outplayed by the Seagulls on those appearances, but on this occasion, the club were unlucky to lose. Two goals were ruled out for tight offsides that would have won them the game, as well as other missed chances. The team played well.

Stay calm, United fans. The signs are there. But that being said, this should NOT be a game United lose.

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