Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton has not only handed Erik ten Hag his first loss of the season but also highlighted ongoing issues that have oppressed the team since last year.
Despite moments of brilliance, particularly from Diogo Dalot, who excelled in his role at left-back, United’s inability to maintain composure in the dying minutes of matches proved costly once again.
Dalot’s performance was a rare highlight in an otherwise frustrating day for United. The Portuguese full-back was effective both defensively and offensively, showcasing his ability to contribute across the pitch.
In the first half, he consistently pushed up the left flank, delivering dangerous crosses and even attempting a long-range shot that narrowly missed. Defensively, he was equally impressive, particularly in his one-on-one engagements with Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh, whom he effectively countered.
However, the match also brought to the forefront United’s recurring late-game issues. This loss marks yet another instance where the team has conceded a crucial goal in the final minutes, a problem that has become increasingly frequent. Since the beginning of last season, United have lost more games due to goals scored in the 90th minute or later than any other team in the Premier League.
Former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves criticized Ten Hag’s tactical decisions, particularly the substitutions of Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes. According to Hargreaves, these changes disrupted United’s defensive structure, leaving them vulnerable to Brighton’s late attacks.
The removal of Maguire, who had been a commanding presence in the air, was particularly questionable, especially given Brighton’s effectiveness from set plays.
United’s vulnerability was fully exploited in the dying moments of the match, with Brighton’s persistence paying off as they scored the winning goal deep into stoppage time. This latest setback continues United’s poor record away from home, where they have struggled to secure points when falling behind. Ten Hag’s side has now gone 14 Premier League away games without a win after conceding first, a critical statistic for a club with title ambitions.
In the broader context of the Premier League, this defeat could have significant implications for United’s season. With Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool all starting the season strongly, United cannot afford to drop points, especially in games where they are in control for large periods. The pressure is now on Ten Hag to address these issues, particularly the team’s mentality in high-pressure situations, if they are to remain competitive in what is shaping up to be a tightly contested season.
As United prepare for their next match, the focus will undoubtedly be on improving their resilience in the final stages of games and ensuring that they can close out matches effectively. Ten Hag’s ability to instill a stronger mentality in his squad could be the key to turning their fortunes around as the season progresses.
