United Beyond Manchester

A 2-1 loss at the Amex meant that Manchester United has lost five of six to Brighton over the past few years. The Seagulls crushed United’s hearts with a late winner and exposed long-standing issues with this United team. Who struggled and who shined in defeat in the first away match of the season?

Starting XI

Andre Onana: 5 – There wasn’t much Onana could do about the two goals, but his distribution was poor again. He seems to have lost some of his composure on the ball.

Noussair Mazraoui: 7 – The Moroccan kept Japanese international Mitoma quiet all day. His beautiful through ball to Amad earned him a first assist for United.

Harry Maguire: 5 – Another decent performance from Maguire was marred by his failure to deal with the cross that led to Welbeck’s goal.

Lisandro Martinez: 5 – Lisandro Martinez was unable to recreate the dominant performance that he had against Fulham. United will need him to return to his best for Liverpool next week.

Diogo Dalot: 7 – Dalot, just like Mazraoui, effectively neutralized his opponent and defended well throughout the match. The Portuguese back should have also logged an assist from his world-class cross to Amad in the first half.

Casemiro: 5 – As Gary Neville pointed out, Casemiro was at fault for Brighton’s winner as he left his assignment on the far post. His pace in transition also remains an issue.

Kobbie Mainoo: 7 – Mainoo completed the most dribbles of any player and boasted a 93% passing accuracy. United needs to find him a new partner that can unlock his full potential.

Bruno Fernandes: 5 – When Bruno is at his best, he can compensate for some of the team’s defensive weaknesses, but when he’s not, those weaknesses are exposed, as was the case today.

Amad Diallo: 7 – Amad’s goal showcased fantastic individual skill, but he squandered multiple opportunities that could have altered the game’s outcome.

Mason Mount: 5 – He pressed well but was completely ineffective on the ball. It would be better for him to move to the bench and allow Zirkzee to start.

Marcus Rashford: 4 – It was another frustrating and poor match from Marcus Rashford. The Reds were more dangerous after he was replaced.

Substitutions

Joshua Zirkzee: 5 – A stroke of bad luck for the Dutch international deprived Garnacho and United of a potential game-winning goal. Despite showcasing glimpses of his talent, he couldn’t convert his opportunities today.

Alejandro Garnacho: 6 – The Argentine winger changed the game after coming on and was extremely unlucky not to score his first league goal of the season.

Matthijs De Ligt: 5 – De Ligt should never have replaced Maguire. He did not have time to grow into the match and was part of the problem when Joao Pedro scored the winner.

Antony: The Brazilian was not given time to affect the game. Unless his form improves drastically, Antony will not see much of the pitch this season.

Scott McTominay: 5 – McTominay strangely came on for Fernandes with over ten minutes left. Will he be around for next weekend’s match?

Manchester United host Liverpool in a critical early derby next weekend. Erik Ten Hag will need someone to step up and score goals if United is to earn three points.