BRIGHTON, England — Despite all the talk of a fresh start under Erik ten Hag, Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on a rainy Saturday in Brighton felt all too familiar.United’s defense was porous, and although they had an unfortunate disallowed goal, they ultimately self-destructed. Joao Pedro was left unmarked at the back post to head in the winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time. This lapse will make for painful viewing during the post-match analysis at Carrington.There were signs of progress under Ten Hag’s leadership after a summer of changes, including a vote of confidence, a revamped backroom staff, and four new signings. This season was supposed to showcase the United team Ten Hag has been building. But the defeat to Brighton was marked by errors that have plagued the team in the past and should have been addressed by now.United’s defensive lapses were evident in both of Brighton’s goals.
The first came in the 32nd minute when Harry Maguire and Noussair Mazraoui failed to stop Joao Pedro’s cross and couldn’t clear a ball delivered into the six-yard box by Kaoru Mitoma, allowing Danny Welbeck to score from close range against his former club.For the winner, Pedro was left in acres of space, easily heading Simon Adingra’s cross past André Onana as Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, and Lisandro Martínez were caught ball-watching.United had a chance to take the lead after Amad’s heavily deflected equalizer in the 60th minute. They thought they had scored again through substitute Alejandro Garnacho 10 minutes later, but the goal was disallowed after the ball deflected off the offside Joshua Zirkzee just before crossing the line.United believed they had moved past these kinds of mistakes, but sloppy errors, poor communication, and missed opportunities plagued yet another performance.Ten Hag expressed his frustration, saying the team must be more aggressive in both defense and attack.
“I think often we did the right things,” he said after the match. “Often we had success—when we won trophies and big games. Today, it should have been better.”Despite hopes that this season would see United assert themselves, they are still searching for consistency. Of the summer signings, Mazraoui has been a bright spot, slotting in at right-back and holding his own against the dangerous Mitoma. Zirkzee, used as a substitute in the last two games, has shown promise, especially after being introduced at halftime in this match.United looked more dangerous with Bruno Fernandes back in the No. 10 role, suggesting it might be time to end the experiment of using him as a false No. 9. The switch gave United more creativity, and it was Fernandes’ pass to Garnacho that almost led to the winning goal.De Ligt is gradually being introduced into United’s defense, replacing Maguire late in games. But he was on the field when Pedro was left unmarked for Brighton’s winning goal.Brighton found too much space in United’s penalty area, and Martínez, too, fell short of his usual standards. It remains to be seen how Ten Hag will integrate De Ligt and 18-year-old Leny Yoro when he returns from injury.
The performance highlighted United’s need for reinforcements, particularly in midfield. They are keen to sign defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain before the transfer window closes, as the 23-year-old would offer a more mobile option compared to the aging Casemiro. Brighton’s Billy Gilmour, heavily linked with Napoli, dominated the midfield, finding time and space to dismantle United’s defense.Brighton, under 31-year-old manager Fabian Hürzeler, continues to impress with their aggressive 4-2-4 formation. Pedro thrived in this system, and Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh were outstanding on the wings. Brighton’s summer spending could exceed £200 million, and Hürzeler has already molded a cohesive, formidable side.Meanwhile, United still have work to do. With six days left in the transfer window, they must finalize Ugarte’s transfer and decide which players will depart.
Jadon Sancho was again absent from the matchday squad, while Scott McTominay came on as a second-half substitute amid rumors linking him with Fulham and Napoli. United host Liverpool on Sept. 1, but it feels like that match may come too soon for Ten Hag’s team to be a finished product. Time is something Ten Hag desperately needs, but with limited patience from fans and management, it’s a luxury he may not have.