Manchester United finally got back to winning ways to secure an all-important three points and a clean sheet against a relentless Brighton side. On paper, a 2-0 win against 10 men would seem like a relatively comfortable night. However, it was neck-and-neck right to the very last kick of the game. Here are five things we learned after watching a hard-fought victory for the Red Devils.
Brighton in control
I don’t remember the last time United were able to comfortably hold onto a lead, let alone dominate for a full 90 minutes. It was a lethargic and laboured first half as United played with no tempo and invited immense pressure. Brighton were seeing much of the ball and pressing high to put United’s backline on constant high alert.
Old Trafford is no longer a fortress as it once was. The crowd were urging the home side to put their opponents on the back-foot instead of sitting deep, acting like they were already in a lead. Brighton dominated possession and were enjoying free shots while United only had one shot on target. The poor build-up play meant United’s only chance of scoring would come from counter-attacking opportunities that weren’t threatening the away side at all.
The lack of urgency, work rate and energy was incredibly frustrating. No team should be outworking a club of this stature at home as United didn’t even win a single tackle. Brighton were unfortunate not to register a goal after David De Gea made a trademark highlight-reel save to deny Jakub Moder’s thumping header. Once again it was De Gea to the rescue as his team failed to stamp their authority or take any control over the game.
Not converting chances
United’s dilemma has always been that they either create plenty of chances but can’t capitalise or provide zero service to the forward players.
This time, United had several clear cut chances that they failed to convert to goals to put the game out of sight. Glimpses of good play aren’t enough against a side that doesn’t concede many chances and who are defensively sound. You need to be ruthless in front of goal which we haven’t seen from Ralf Rangnick’s side of late. United’s failure to capitalise on their chances is what cost the team six points in the last three games and a spot in the FA Cup.
It was a similar story today as Cristiano Ronaldo should’ve really had a hat-trick while Bruno Fernandes also threw away a great chance. Poor decision making and hesitancy also played a massive role. With a tough run of fixtures coming up, United will need to be more clinical as clear cut chances against top European sides will come few and far between.
midfield nonexistent
Once again United’s frailties in midfield were exposed. It was virtually nonexistent in the first half as Brighton were roaming around freely with nothing but space. The midfield pivot of Scott McTominary and Fred left massive gaps as they often do. Losing the midfield battle enabled the Seagulls to advance the ball from their penalty box all the way to United’s with ease. All it took was three to four passes until they were in dangerous areas.
Fred’s limited passing range and McTominary’s lack of spatial awareness were a large part of why United’s ball retention was so poor. Recruiting a deep-lying midfielder who can confidently dictate play and provide quality progressive passes will undoubtedly ease the pressure off the backline and improve transitions of play.
second half resurgence
Second-Half FC made a return as Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes found the back of the net in style. Ronaldo finally ended his longest goal drought in well over a decade after he sent the ball flying into the back of the net past Robert Sanchez.
Despite being one man down, it still felt like Brighton were well and truly in the game. A last-minute equaliser felt destined to happen and it wouldn’t have come as much of a surprise. United were struggling to hold on to their lead right until the very end. It took a breakaway goal from Ferenades in the last kick of the game to nip it in the bud once and for all. This also brings Paul Pogba’s assist tally in the Premier League to eight as he continues to make a tremendous impact since his return from injury.
in the top four…for now
Prior to the game, it felt like top four was miles away and there was no way of knowing if United were going to turn things around and keep hold of a lead. United are somewhat still in the top four race as their victory against Brighton brings them back into fourth place. They’re now only four points behind Chelsea although the Blues still have a game in hand. I expect things will change again very quickly with Tottenham and Wolves yet to play their games in hand as well.
It’s going to be a real battle and if United have any hope of holding onto their position in the league, massive adjustments need to be made both on and off the pitch.