Brighton Stuns Manchester United with Late Goal: Tactical Tweaks and Transfer Talks
Brighton & Hove Albion pulled off a dramatic 2-1 victory over Manchester United at the Amex Stadium, leaving Erik ten Hag's side with much to ponder. The match was a clear reminder that United remains a team in transition, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by lapses in concentration and ongoing tactical experiments.
United took the lead early in the first half thanks to a goal from former player Danny Welbeck, who has a knack for scoring against his old club. His 100th career goal was a result of a defensive error from Harry Maguire, who allowed a cross from Kaoru Mitoma to slip through, giving Welbeck the space to strike. United’s struggles continued as Ten Hag opted for a 4-2-4 formation, using Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount as false nines instead of fielding a traditional striker. This tactical choice aimed to make United more aggressive in pressing the opposition but left them vulnerable in key moments.
After the break, United showed signs of life, especially after Joshua Zirkzee replaced Mount. The change brought some much-needed energy to United's attack, and they were rewarded on the hour mark. Amad Diallo, who has been in fine form, found the back of the net with a deflected shot that leveled the game. Amad’s performance was a highlight, particularly given his recent personal challenges, and he celebrated his goal with passion, pointing to the club badge and thumping his chest.
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However, United’s joy was short-lived. In the dying moments of the match, Joao Pedro, left unmarked at the far post, capitalized on another defensive lapse to secure a last-gasp winner for Brighton. It was a bitter pill for United to swallow, as they had seemed poised to at least take a point from the encounter.
The defeat raises several questions for Ten Hag, particularly about his tactical decisions and whether the 4-2-4 system is the right approach. While it has its benefits, such as improving United's defensive shape when out of possession, it also exposes their lack of cutting-edge in attack. Neither Mount nor Fernandes are natural penalty-box predators, and with Marcus Rashford struggling for form, the team looks toothless at times.
Amad Diallo continues to be a bright spot for United, showing promise on the right wing. His ability to connect with teammates and create chances in the final third makes him a valuable asset. However, United’s attack remains a work in progress, and with the transfer window still open, there are growing calls for reinforcements, particularly in the striker position. Rumors have linked United with Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte and Brentford’s Ivan Toney, but it remains to be seen whether these deals will materialize.
Erik ten Hag has acknowledged the need for more consistency and hinted that new signings could still arrive before the transfer deadline. The absence of key players like Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia due to injury has also impacted United’s performances, particularly in defense. Shaw’s return is not expected until September, which means United will need to find solutions in his absence.
So, Manchester United's defeat to Brighton highlights the challenges Ten Hag faces in molding his squad into a cohesive and competitive unit. The tactical experiments and the need for squad depth are clear, and with the Premier League season still in its early stages, United will need to find their rhythm quickly if they are to challenge for top honors this year. The international break may provide some much-needed time to regroup, but the question remains: can United find the consistency and quality needed to compete at the highest level?
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