Manchester United’s disappointing start to the season continued as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion, marking the Red Devils’ second consecutive loss in the Premier League. Erik ten Hag’s men were outsmarted and outplayed by Roberto De Zerbi’s tactical masterclass, leaving Old Trafford faithfuls questioning the team’s progress under the Dutch manager.

The Tactical Battle

The match was a tale of two halves, with Brighton dictating the pace in the first half and Manchester United attempting to claw their way back in the second. Brighton’s 3-5-2 formation proved to be the key to their success, as they effectively nullified Manchester United’s attacking threats while creating opportunities of their own.

Manchester United, on the other hand, struggled to find rhythm and cohesion in their 4-2-3-1 setup. Their midfield duo of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen failed to control the game, allowing Brighton’s midfielders to dominate possession and dictate the flow of the match.

Brighton’s Winning Formula

Brighton’s victory was built on a solid defensive foundation, with their three-man backline of Lewis Dunk, Adam Webster, and Joel Veltman providing a formidable barrier for Manchester United’s attackers. The Seagulls’ wingbacks, Tariq Lamptey and Pervis Estupiñán, were also instrumental in the win, providing width and pace down the flanks and pinning Manchester United’s fullbacks back.

Up front, Brighton’s strike duo of Evan Ferguson and Kaoru Mitoma proved to be a handful for Manchester United’s defense. Ferguson’s hold-up play and Mitoma’s pace and movement caused problems for the Red Devils throughout the game, and their partnership was key to Brighton’s success.

Manchester United’s Struggles

Manchester United’s defeat was largely down to their inability to adapt to Brighton’s tactical setup. Despite having the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Anthony Martial in their ranks, the Red Devils failed to create meaningful scoring opportunities, with their attackers often finding themselves isolated and starved of service.

Their midfield, which has been a problem area for the team all season, was once again exposed. Casemiro and Eriksen were unable to provide the necessary creativity and control, leaving Manchester United’s attackers to feed off scraps.

Conclusion

Brighton’s surprise win over Manchester United was a testament to the tactical prowess of Roberto De Zerbi and his team. The Seagulls’ ability to adapt and outsmart their opponents has been a key factor in their impressive start to the season, and they will look to continue this form as they face tougher challenges ahead.

For Manchester United, the defeat raises more questions about Erik ten Hag’s tactics and the team’s overall direction. With the transfer window now closed, the Dutch manager must find a way to get the best out of his current squad if he is to turn the season around.

What do you think went wrong for Manchester United? Share your thoughts in the comments below!