At this early stage, hope always springs eternal, with fans believing things will change. But for United, it feels like the same old story—familiar deficiencies and recurring problems.
Despite clawing back into the game after Brighton’s first-half lead, courtesy of former United striker Danny Welbeck, Ten Hag’s side threw it all away due to some horrendous defending. The optimism from last weekend’s win over Fulham vanished in a flash.
Even Joshua Zirkzee’s late winner in that game merely papered over the cracks, which were horribly exposed this weekend—a concern for Ten Hag.
In time, the Dutchman might find some solace in his team’s first-half display, where they were unfortunate to be trailing. As Ten Hag made his way to the tunnel, he might have struggled to find the right words. His team had played well, but luck was not on their side.
Amad Diallo was dangerous, Casemiro looked sharp, and Bruno Fernandes, playing as a false nine, along with Marcus Rashford on the left, caused problems. The only thing missing was the finishing touch, with Diallo squandering a golden opportunity in the 10th minute and Casemiro heading over shortly after.
The frustration grew when Welbeck stabbed home from Kaoru Mitoma’s pass for his 100th career goal, following a dangerous cross from Joao Pedro that Harry Maguire failed to deal with, proving to be United’s undoing. Despite United’s dominance, Brighton’s lead wasn’t entirely unjust; the new manager, Fabian Hurzeler, appeared to have organized his team well.
United continued to press, with Rashford’s goal ruled out for a marginal offside, and Mason Mount’s effort saved by Jason Steele. Mount was later replaced by Zirkzee at halftime, after complaining of an injury, which disrupted United’s momentum. James Milner had two good chances for Brighton, with Dalot clearing one off the line, as Brighton began to take control.
Welbeck’s towering header hit the bar, adding to United’s woes. Predictably, given the first-half events, United’s equalizer came on the hour when Diallo cut inside to score past Steele, aided by a deflection. Diallo played despite the recent loss of his stepmother, showing commendable resilience, unlike his teammates, who faltered in the closing stages.
Rashford made way for Alejandro Garnacho after the goal, and the substitute nearly turned the game. Diallo set up Fernandes, whose pass found Garnacho at the back post, only for the goal to be disallowed due to a faint touch from Zirkzee on the line—a cruel blow for United, but not as harsh as what came next.
United’s failure to clear a corner allowed Billy Gilmour to recycle the ball, finding Simon Adingra, whose cross was met by Joao Pedro’s powerful header, sealing Brighton’s win and leaving United to rue their defensive lapses. As the Amex erupted in celebration, Ten Hag was likely fuming for entirely different reasons.
