Brighton blues - Saturday 24th August 2024

MUFC Monday Morning Musings - Matchday 2
Brighton 2 v 1 United 

United players and fans were left scratching their heads on Saturday afternoon? How did United lose all 3-points from that game? United played well in the first half, passing, moving and creating chances, but yet again, we failed to take them. We could, and should, have scored 2 or 3.

Perhaps the most notable opportunity was a Diallo chance following excellent wing play from Dalot on the left. Diallo played well, but opted to use his stronger left foot, when he either needed to put his right foot through it, or go in with a diving header. Regardless, he should have at least hit the target.

Somehow, despite United's dominance, Brighton went into the half-time break a goal up. Mason Mount came off injured to be replaced by Zirkzee, but it was Brighton who looked galvanized following the break. Yet Diallo, courtesy of a deflection, equalised. There were chances at both ends in an open game.

Both teams pushed for a winner, but by injury time it was all Brighton. The game should have been closed out. Instead, United collapsed and left 3 Brighton players unmarked at the back post in the 95th minute. Game lost. 

Brighton are a good team and a very well run football club, but this was a missed opportunity for United. 

Chances missed - United have improved last seasons squad, but have only (to date) signed one attacker. Goals were hard to come by last season and while it is early days, we need to see a much sharper clinical edge and take chances. United bossed the first half and then allowed Brighton to take control of the second half. Mason Mount's departure left our midfield much more open.

Patience, passing and positives - United played some good stuff. There was patience, movement and plenty of one and two touch passing. 

Reality - Brighton won't lose many games at home. They have a club structure and strategy that is the envy of many others. They plan for players and coaches leaving, adapt, and move on. Fabian Hürzeler looks like another very promising young coach. 

Ten Hag Time - The phrase 'Fergie time' was coined as United became famous for grabbing late winners. His teams kept on going until the death. While Ten Hag's United, most notably in the sublime FA Cup win over Liverpool, have grabbed some later winners, there have also been more than a fair share of points dropped in injury time. A point away to Brighton would have been a good point.

The stage is set - Liverpool visit Old Trafford next Sunday. Their players will be out for revenge after the aforementioned FA Cup defeat last season. United need a performance and a result. A scappy 1-0 win will do just fine, but at some stage soon, this team needs to score more than one goal a game. 

Transfer window closing - The window close this week. Ugarte is expected to come in and strengthen the midfield. McTominay looks like he could be going to Napoli, although I expect other bids to come in now a fee has been agreed. I wouldn't mind him staying. Technically, McTominay isn't the most gifted, but he will give his heart and soul for the shirt. Lindelof, Eriksen and (please, fingers crosssed) Sancho could all depart. Will United bring in another striker or wide player who can score goals?