United Beyond Manchester

After a win at home against Fulham and work off the pitch to finalize the squad, momentum seemed to be building at Manchester United. Brighton, however, quickly showed Dan Ashworth and company just how much work still needs to be done before United returns to the pinnacle of the Premier League.

Erik Ten Hag’s side started well, and the improved press was evident early on. The first great chance of the match fell to Amad Diallo. A beautiful left-footed cross from Diogo Dalot was flashed wide by the Ivorian on a ball he should have finished.

A defining issue for Manchester United last season was failing to score while in the ascendency and then conceding cheaply. That trend continued, as a 3v2 opportunity went begging minutes before Danny Welbeck scored for Brighton. The former United player tapped home a cross for his 100th career goal after Harry Maguire failed to deal with the initial ball.

Brighton was the more positive side to start the second half, and Danny Welbeck nearly made it two with a header that hit the crossbar. However, it was the away side that struck back through Amad Diallo’s first goal of the season. Erik Ten Hag’s side finally got in behind as newcomer Noussair Mazraoui released Diallo, who cut inside and scored via a deflection.

United nearly took the lead after a brilliant counterattack, but an unfortunate touch on the line from an offside Joshua Zirkzee disallowed Alejandro Garnacho’s finish.

Despite chances to put the game away, United failed to find a goal, and Brighton took full advantage. In pure 2023/2024 Manchester United fashion, two players were left unmarked on the back post, and Joao Pedro headed a simple winner in for the home side.

A summer of signings and hope has quickly been replaced by ‘Here we go again.’ The lapses in concentration and inability to finish continue to haunt the Reds. The team is already at what could be a tipping point for the season, as Liverpool come to Old Trafford next weekend.

Man of the Match: Amad Diallo

Diallo was United’s most dangerous player at times and opened his account with a good finish in the second half. However, things might have been different had he finished his first opportunity early on.