Man Utd Player Ratings: Brighton Loss

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Post on Jan 20, 2025

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Man Utd Player Ratings: Brighton's Dominant Display Exposes Red Devils' Flaws

Manchester United suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion, a result that leaves much to be desired and raises serious questions about the team's current form. Let's delve into the individual player performances and assign ratings to reflect their contributions (or lack thereof) in this crucial match.

A Sea of Red: Individual Player Ratings

This wasn't a night for individual brilliance from the Manchester United squad. Brighton's superior tactics and execution overshadowed any potential positive performances.

Goalkeeper:

• Andre Onana (6/10): While Onana couldn't be blamed for either goal, he wasn't tested significantly. A relatively quiet night for the keeper, highlighting the defensive struggles in front of him. He showed some good distribution, but overall, he was a spectator in a game his team desperately needed him to influence.

Defenders:

• Aaron Wan-Bissaka (5/10): Struggled to contain Brighton's attacking threat down the left flank. Offered little going forward and defensively looked shaky at times, leading to unnecessary pressure on the backline. Needs to improve significantly.
• Lisandro Martínez (5.5/10): While generally composed, Martínez couldn't prevent Brighton from penetrating United's defence. His usual aggressive style was partially neutralized by Brighton’s clever movement.
• Victor Lindelöf (5/10): A weak link in the defense. Looked uncomfortable on the ball and was easily bypassed by Brighton's midfielders. His positioning was consistently questionable.
• Luke Shaw (6/10): Probably United's best defender on the night. Showed more attacking impetus than Wan-Bissaka, but still didn't offer enough going forward and had moments of defensive vulnerability.

Midfielders:

• Casemiro (6/10): Worked hard as always, but Brighton’s midfield dominated the game, limiting his influence. His usual combative style wasn’t enough to stem the tide of Brighton's attacks.
• Mason Mount (5.5/10): A disappointing performance. Failed to impact the game significantly and looked lost at times, struggling to influence the tempo of the match. Needs to find his feet quickly.
• Bruno Fernandes (6.5/10): United's brightest spark, showing glimpses of his usual brilliance with some clever passes and runs. However, even his efforts couldn't compensate for the overall team's shortcomings. Deserves credit for attempting to lift his team.

Forwards:

• Marcus Rashford (6/10): Worked hard and scored United’s only goal. However, he lacked the cutting edge he often displays and was frequently isolated. His goal was a testament to his individual quality, but overall he was hampered by the lack of service.
• Antony (5/10): Another disappointing showing. His trickery wasn't effective against Brighton's well-organized defense. Needs to deliver more in terms of end product.
• Alejandro Garnacho (6/10): Showed some promising moments after coming on as a substitute, offering pace and a direct approach. Could have done more to make an impact.

What Went Wrong? Analyzing the Defeat

The defeat highlights several key weaknesses within the Manchester United squad:

• Defensive fragility: Brighton’s goals exposed a lack of cohesion and communication at the back.
• Midfield dominance: Brighton completely controlled the midfield battle, dictating the pace and tempo of the game.
• Lack of creativity: United struggled to create clear-cut chances, highlighting a deficiency in midfield creativity and forward movement.

Looking Ahead: Lessons to be Learned

This loss serves as a wake-up call for Manchester United. Manager Erik ten Hag needs to address the team's defensive vulnerabilities and find a way to regain control in midfield. Improving creativity in the final third is also crucial for future success. The upcoming matches will be a stern test of the team’s ability to learn from their mistakes and bounce back strongly. The Brighton game clearly exposed some major issues that need immediate attention. The hope is that this defeat will act as a catalyst for improvement and a turning point in the season.