Opinions
Owen Hargreaves makes brilliant point about Manchester United’s biggest problem, the culprit has already left Old Trafford
Owen Hargreaves has made a brilliant point about the deeper reason for Manchester United’s struggles, although the main culprit has already left the club.
Manchester United suffered their first defeat of 2025 as Brighton & Hove Albion claimed a deserved 3-1 victory at Old Trafford, leaving Rúben Amorim’s side thoroughly outclassed on Sunday afternoon.
The visitors made a blistering start, with Yankuba Minteh finding the net after just five minutes, exploiting United’s defensive disorganisation. Despite struggling to settle, United clawed their way back into the game in the 20th minute when Joshua Zirkzee won a penalty, which Bruno Fernandes calmly converted to level the score.
Brighton thought they had regained the lead early in the second half when João Pedro scored, but VAR ruled it out after confirming Diogo Dalot had been fouled moments earlier. Undeterred, Brighton continued to press and regained their advantage on the hour mark, as Kaoru Mitoma finished clinically to put the Seagulls back in front.
The decisive blow came with 15 minutes left to play. André Onana spilled a straightforward ball, gifting substitute Georginio Rutter the easiest of finishes to secure Brighton’s third goal and all three points.
United pushed in vain for a way back, but Brighton’s organisation and defensive solidity saw them through to a well-earned victory, leaving the home side with plenty to ponder after a lacklustre display.
Hargreaves makes a fantastic point about the root of United’s problems
Former United player Owen Hargreaves reacted to the game on behalf of Premier League Productions, where he was asked whether he’s seeing the right attitude and application from the United players.
“I don’t think it’s an attitude thing. I think the boys are trying,” he said.
However, when further asked if he feels the players look confused, Hargreaves pointed out, “They probably are confused because they’re trying to do what the manager wants and they’re going to do it because if they don’t, they’re not going to play.
“But I think the recruitment has been a huge issue over the last three, four years. Look at Brighton, they had six players in that starting XI, who would start for Manchester United. That should never happen, ever, with the utmost respect.
“They shouldn’t have players that get into the United team. They shouldn’t even get into the 18 and they got six that would start at United. It goes back to recruitment.”
The main culprit has already left Old Trafford
Hargreaves point about United’s main issue being their recruitment is brilliant, but the main culprit that left the club in this mess has already left.
Erik ten Hag was the man who has this team tailored to suit his claimed needs, and it is now these same players who are struggling to adapt to a more charismatic style of football under Amorim.
Ten Hag was sacked in October 2024 after a string of horrid performances. Although individual players such as Noussair Mazraoui and Amad have shone under Amorim, the team have looked in dismay at points.
United will have to spend a number of seasons fixing the mess Ten Hag left United in, but Amorim has explained many times he understands the process that is needed, and is confident he has the solution.
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