Manchester United thought they had turned things around after encouraging results. But the Red Devils fell back at home against Brighton, still revealing numerous defensive shortcomings despite…
One step forward, two steps back. This seems to be the sad reality for Manchester United at the start of the season. The Red Devils thought they had turned things around after an encouraging draw at Liverpool (2-2) and a victory against Southampton (3-1). But the Mancunian club suddenly fell back at home against Brighton this Sunday (1-3), once again revealing its many shortcomings.
A defense at bay
From the 5th minute, a long ball from Carlos Baleba highlighted the gaping flaws in the Mancunian rearguard. Noussair Mazraoui was surprised, allowing Kaoru Mitoma to serve Yankuba Minteh for the opener. A gag goal which sums up the recurring defensive woes of Ruben Amorim’s men.
A penalty converted by Bruno Fernandes (23rd) following a foul by Baleba temporarily put United back in the match. But it was just an illusion. In the second half, the Red Devils sank.
Onana at fault, Amorim under pressure
Mitoma, again, took advantage of a new error from Mazraoui to give the visitors the advantage again (60th). But the worst was yet to come for United, with a monumental blunder by their goalkeeper André Onana on a harmless cross, giving Rutter the 3-1 goal (76th). A nightmare for the Cameroonian, yet often decisive since his arrival.
Ultimately, this defeat places Ruben Amorim under increasing pressure. Since his appointment at the end of November, the Portuguese coach has seen his team concede almost two goals per match in all competitions. A catastrophic defensive record for a club of this standing.
-Manchester United showed big defensive weaknesses against Brighton. This summer’s recruitment does not seem to have resolved the recurring concerns of this team.
A former Premier League player
This new disillusionment places Manchester United in a sad 13th place in the Premier League after 22 days. Far from the ambitions of a historic club which is still chasing its glorious past. The project promises to be immense for Amorim… if he is kept in his post.
A dotted future
Because beyond the disappointing sporting results, Manchester United is going through a period of uncertainty behind the scenes. The process of selling the club initiated by the Glazer family is dragging on, with potential investors showing reluctance.
- Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover project seems to have stalled
- Interested Qatari sovereign wealth fund faces hurdles
- Other potential buyers are hesitant about the scale of the task
So many elements which plunge Man U into limbo, while the club would greatly need stability and a real sporting project to relaunch itself. The next few weeks promise to be decisive, on and off the field, in writing the future of an institution in distress.
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