Man Utd Player Performance: Brighton Match

Sophie Wakehurst

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Post on Jan 20, 2025

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Man Utd Player Performance: Brighton Match – A Disappointing Display

Manchester United's opening day clash against Brighton at Old Trafford ended in a disappointing 1-2 defeat, leaving fans and pundits questioning the team's preparedness for the new season. While there were glimpses of individual brilliance, the overall performance lacked cohesion and defensive solidity, highlighting areas needing urgent attention. Let's delve into the individual player performances:

Goalkeeper: Andre Onana

Onana, making his competitive debut for the club, had a mixed bag. He showcased his excellent distribution skills, initiating attacks with accurate long passes. However, he could be criticized for being caught out of position for Brighton's second goal, a lapse in judgment that ultimately contributed to the defeat. His shot-stopping was adequate, but he'll need to improve his positioning and command of the area to truly excel in the Premier League.

Defenders:

• Diogo Dalot: Dalot struggled defensively, often caught out of position and lacking the necessary concentration. His attacking contributions were minimal, and he will need a significant improvement to compete consistently at this level.
• Lisandro Martínez: Martínez, usually a reliable presence, looked uncomfortable at times against Brighton's fast-paced attack. He lacked his usual aggression and composure, making some questionable decisions. While he put in some crucial tackles, his overall performance was below his usual high standards.
• Victor Lindelöf: Lindelöf had a similarly inconsistent game. While he showed moments of strength, there were also lapses in concentration that allowed Brighton's attackers too much space. His passing accuracy was also below par.
• Luke Shaw: Shaw's performance was arguably the most positive of the back four. While not faultless, he provided some offensive impetus down the left flank and demonstrated greater defensive solidity than his colleagues.

Midfielders:

• Casemiro: Casemiro’s experience was noticeable, offering some much-needed stability in midfield. However, even he couldn't completely plug the defensive leaks. He showed glimpses of his quality but was ultimately overwhelmed at times by Brighton's dynamic midfielders.
• Mason Mount: Mount's debut was underwhelming. He struggled to find his rhythm, lacked creativity, and failed to influence the game significantly. He will need time to adapt to United’s system.
• Bruno Fernandes: Fernandes, the captain, was arguably United’s most creative player, although his usual influence was muted by Brighton's effective pressing. His set-piece delivery was also inconsistent.

Forwards:

• Marcus Rashford: Rashford's performance lacked the incisiveness and finishing power we've come to expect. While he worked hard, his end product was lacking.
• Antony: Similar to Rashford, Antony’s performance was somewhat disappointing. He showed glimpses of his dribbling ability but struggled to create clear-cut chances. His final ball often let him down.
• Alejandro Garnacho: Garnacho showed some flashes of brilliance but lacked the consistency needed to make a significant impact. He was replaced in the second half.

Overall Assessment:

The Brighton game revealed significant defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of cohesion throughout the team. While some individual players showed promise, the overall performance was significantly below expectations. Erik ten Hag will need to address these issues quickly if Manchester United is to challenge for honors this season. The pressing needs to be sharper, the defensive organization tighter, and the midfield more creative. The international break offers some time for reflection and improvement ahead of crucial matches later in the season. This match served as a stark reminder of the work still needed to achieve the club's ambitions. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining whether the team can learn from this defeat and build toward a more successful campaign.