Manchester United were beaten 3-2 by Brighton and Hove Albion in the clubs first away match in the Premier League this season. United were poor as Glenn Murray (25′), Shane Duffy (27′) and Pascal Gross (44′) did the damage to United. Romelu Lukaku scored in the 34th minute of the match, Paul Pogba scoring a penalty at the death. A day to forget for United supporters.
United have to put in a lot of work in order to be a team capable of beating the top clubs in the league. The way United played today saw them picked apart by Brighton. If they were playing against Tottenham Hotspur, who they play a week on Monday, or even Manchester City, there would have been goals galore.
The lack of anything being put together on the pitch was embarrassing by United. Gone are the days where Manchester United are a feared team. The damage which has been done by the Glazers and Ed Woodward is starting to show itself. The damage has been done already. The Glazers are happy to keep United running as a business, not a football club.
Football clubs should aspire to do well on the pitch. United only do well in the boardroom. Today, at Brighton, United embarrassed themselves, each and every player on that pitch needs to look at their reflection in the mirror and say if they are happy with what they did. Answer whether they think they are putting in the work for their pay each week. Have they worked hard? In most cases, you can answer no to each question.
We are heading into dire times which will become toxic.
Manchester United
1 David De Gea
Left exposed by United's poor defence. Had little or no chance to save anything, even the penalty. If I was David De Gea, would I want to stay here long-term? That is the question.
18 Ashley Young
The England full-back had problem after problem with Solly March but Young did well at times. It was his central defensive teammates which were the main problem.
2 Victor Lindelof
Had a great World Cup and played well against Leicester. However, against Brighton, he was poor, out of place and not a player that had much confidence nor ability. Needs to do so much better.
3 Eric Bailly
Poor performance by the Ivorian. Gave away a penalty. Was not defensively astute for the majority of the game. Can see why he was dropped last season. United's best defender but after today, he has a lot of soul searching to do.
23 Luke Shaw
Can hold his head up high. Set up Lukaku's goal to take it back to 2-1. United's problems were all on the other flank. Shaw got an easier ride.
17 Fred
This season will be more of a settling process for the Brazilian. It may take time. He did well on occasion but has a lot of improvement to make based on the money he cost the club.
15 Andreas Pereira
Praised by Mourinho against Leicester. Hooked at half time against Brighton. Out of place in this squad at the moment. Could improve though, actually he will need to.
6 Paul Pogba
Anonymous. Wore the captains armband, that was the only way you could tell he was the captain. Not good enough from a player that lifted the World Cup a matter of weeks ago. Scored the late penalty but it was not enough.
8 Juan Mata
No influence in the game at all. Nice guy, no point him playing right now if he's got nothing to give. Not a right winger.
Romelu Lukaku
Scored for United bringing the game to 2-1. Lacked service, which was telling last season. Worked hard at times. Can only do what he can do.
9 Anthony Martial
Got a game as Sanchez was unavailable. Pointless in possession. No output. His fans will love him but he's given nothing to this team. When Martial plays for United, they are already down to ten men.
Substitutes
14 Jesse Lingard
Replaced Pereira 46'. Effort, determination, energy were given by the Academy graduate. Nothing was taken out of the game for that though. His teammates had already cause the destruction.
10 Marcus Rashford
Replaced Mata 46'. Put in a lot of effort in the second half. It was always going to be a tough slog based on the state of this team and the fact they were ripped apart in the first half.
27 Marouane Fellaini
Replaced Martial 60'. Had 30 minutes. Brought down and won the penalty which restored something to the team. Held the ball up well. Maybe should have started.
Goals: Romelu Lukaku 34′, Paul Pogba 90+4′
Manchester United: De Gea; Young, Lindelof, Bailly, Shaw; Fred, Pereira (Lingard 46′), Pogba; Mata (Rashford 46′), Lukaku, Martial (Fellaini 60′)
Substitutes Not Used: Grant; Smalling; Herrera, McTominay
Bookings: Anthony Martial 45+2′
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