The Big Discussion: How can Manchester United improve?
Another defeat for Manchester United where they had plenty of opportunities to win but couldn't get over the line.
Their players must improve their game management in the season ahead.
The Red Devils were beaten 2-1 at Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday in our first away match of the Premier League campaign after Seagulls striker Joao Pedro headed a 95th-minute winner.
It was the sixth time since the 2022/23 season that Ten Hag's side have lost a league game from a goal scored in second-half stoppage time.
They will be hoping to bounce back from the disappointment on the south coast when Arne Slot’s Liverpool visit Old Trafford on Sunday 1 September,
What are they currently doing well at and how can they build on it?
One of the most noticeable improvements in this team during the first two weeks of the Premier League season is their pressing game, both in its organisation and the intensity with which they apply it.
Having Fernandes play as a false nine has been a key factor, as it creates space for Mason Mount to operate just behind him. Both players are tireless in their efforts to harry opponents, and Mount’s intelligent pressing is a real asset. Against Brighton, it was clear he was guiding his teammates on when to press.
Fernandes twice unsettled Lewis Dunk by closing him down faster than expected, forcing Dunk to concede a sloppy corner early on. This season, United’s pressing is winning them possession in dangerous areas.
Despite United’s overall improvement compared to last season, the final 20 minutes of this match were chaotic, with Brighton looking more likely to win. Although it wasn’t as disorganised as it often was last season, as United pushed for a late winner, they left themselves exposed. The game became end-to-end, and in the closing stages, Brighton were on top.
This is precisely where United needed to make strides from last season, and it’s concerning for Ten Hag that his team still appears vulnerable and disjointed at critical moments. The match ended in disaster for him, and his frustration was evident at the final whistle.
While Harry Maguire’s form from last season and his performance against Fulham merited his place in the team, if Ten Hag is considering a change to bring in Matthijs de Ligt, he may now have a reason.
Maguire’s hesitation in dealing with Joao Pedro’s cross proved costly after a strong start against Brighton. Both Maguire and Noussair Mazraoui had opportunities to clear the ball, but they hesitated, allowing it to reach Karou Mitoma. No one then picked up Danny Welbeck in the second phase of the attack.
De Ligt is likely seen as the long-term partner for Lisandro Martinez this season, and Maguire’s moment of uncertainty might lead to that change being made ahead of the Liverpool match next weekend.
They continue to be linked with the signing of Manuel Ugarte. There is an urgent need for more security in the centre of the pitch, where their opponents found space all too often, and Ugarte could provide it, albeit not necessarily as a lone defensive midfielder. This would be a signing that could get Man United fans very excited.
