5 things: Brighton vs Manchester United Analysis
Manchester United travelled to Brighton looking to avoid back-to-back defeats to start their season. The Seagulls picked up their first win last week against Newcastle in an impressive 3-0 victory. It was Brighton that started the better side, with United seriously lacking any sort of urgency in possession. Leonardo Trossard saw two excellent shots strike both posts, before Neal Maupay put Brighton ahead with an audacious Panenka penalty. United responded quickly and equalised before the break, through a Lewis Dunk own goal. In the second half, United had a bit more energy and the Red Devils took the lead the lead after a stunning solo run from Marcus Rashford.
After a strong United spell, Brighton grew back into the game and were so unlucky not to score, with Solly March hitting the inside of the post and Trossard smashing a shot against the crossbar. With 1 minute of the additional 6 left to play Brighton got their just rewards, as Solly March headed home a great cross and the referee blew the fulltime whistle. However, that was not the end of the game, VAR had seen a possible penalty for handball, so the referee checked the monitor, and despite already blowing for fulltime, gave a penalty. Bruno Fernandes stepped up and nonchalantly put the ball past Matt Ryan to break Brighton hearts and win United an undeserved three points.
1. Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford keeps impressing off the pitch, but my word, he’s not bad on it as well! Rashford’s goal optimized all his best attributes: pace, power, skill and finishing. The Englishman picked up the ball so far out with still so much to do yet did it with a remarkable ease. He sidestepped Ben White and sent him sprawling onto the floor twice and then managed to squeeze the ball past Ryan. A stunning goal from a brilliant player. But it was not just the goal that impressed me about Rashford’s performance, it was his willingness to take responsibility. When United were struggling in the game he was one of only a few players that still demanded the ball. Marcus Rashford is no longer an exciting young talent; he is starting to mature into a top-class player and a respectable and likeable person off the pitch.
2. Fernandes: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
Bruno Fernandes was heavily involved in the game, despite not having one of his best performances. Fernandes is fast becoming United’s most reliable player and there was no doubt that he would score the penalty despite the strange circumstance. He stuck the penalty past Ryan with aplomb. However, there were some negatives in his performance, and they came at the other end of the pitch. Whilst it did look slightly soft, Fernandes conceded a first-half penalty as he fouled Lamptey. It was good to see Fernandes get back and help United defensively however a lack of intelligence meant that he got the wrong side of Lamptey and gave the referee a decision to make. Unfortunately, Fernandes was also at fault for Brighton’s equaliser with the Portuguese midfielder ball-watching and not picking up his man, Solly March, who scored a simple header. But let’s not forget that Fernandes is a playmaker not a defender and his best involvement in the game was a brilliant defence-splitting ball that set up Marcus Rashford for his goal. Pure Class.
3. Defensive Disorganisation
This problem is one that I will mention every week unless United sign a defender. They were incredibly disorganised against Brighton, who, no disrespect, but are not necessarily the best attacking side United will face this season. Wan Bisaaka came in from the defeat against Crystal Palace, however United still struggled at the back. Brighton worked the channels excellently but there is a very apparent lack of pace in United’s defence and the Red Devils could not deal with Lamptey’s pace on the right-hand side of the pitch. Brighton’s goals and chances were all avoidable. The Red Devils gave too much respect and time on the ball to Brighton and unfortunately there was an arrogance about the way United played but not a good one. United players did not want the ball and did not want to win as much as Brighton, which is shocking and unacceptable when you represent a football team the size of Manchester United football club. United won a game that they were incredibly lucky to win but it is an important three points, nevertheless.
4. Brilliant Brighton
We must give Brighton a massive well done for their performance. They went toe-to-toe with Manchester United and almost won. The very least the Seagulls deserved for their performance was a point, however, as their manager Graham Potter, correctly said football is an unfair game sometimes. Brighton impressed against Chelsea and Newcastle in their two opening games and this is further proof that they will be fine this season and avoid the drop quite comfortably unless something drastic happens. A brilliant performance from Brighton and Lamptey, Connolly, Maupay and Alzate, to name just a few stand out performers.
5. What Next?
Manchester United will be sick of the sight of Brighton and its okay because the Red Devils don’t have to dace them until…. Wednesday. That’s right, United face Brighton again midweek in the League cup. After that, United have a tough game against Spurs in the Premier League. Solskjaer perfectly summed up this crazy game by saying 10/10 for happiness to get the points but performance-wise much lower than that.
