Manchester United were sucker punched late on as Brighton scored in the 95th minute to lose 1-2 away at the Amex Stadium.
The false 9/split striker system was persisted with by Erik ten Hag but the same bluntness was on display in the first half as it was against Fulham.
The game was fairly even until former United man Danny Welbeck ghosted between the defenders to tap home from close range and give Brighton a 1-0 lead going into the half.
The focal point arrived in the second half and United’s performance improved. Amad latched onto a ball behind to score off a deflection and they should have led if not for a remarkable bit of bad luck with Garnacho’s shot which found Zirkzee in an offside situation before going in.
That would remain the case till injury time, when Joao Pedro found himself in acres of space in United’s box where he sealed three points with a headed goal.
Here’s how the players rated…
Andre Onana – 7
Much improved kicking and fashioned a great chance by passing long to Diogo Dalot. Couldn’t do anything for the goals.
Diogo Dalot – 7.5
Should have had an assist after a brilliant cross to Amad which the Ivorian fluffed badly. Stood up fairly well to the challenge of Yankuba Minteh and had a goalline clearance to boot. A good display in an unfamiliar left-back position.
Harry Maguire – 7
Would be harsh to mark him as culpable for the goal as the whole defence switched off but perhaps could have been more assertive in stopping the cross from reaching Mitoma. Much improved second half.
Lisandro Martinez – 6.5
An asset in the buildup but had the same problem as Maguire with the cross which eventually resulted in Brighton’s goal.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7.5
Another calm and composed display with and without the ball. Couldn’t do much to stop Mitoma’s cross at close range. Quickly becoming a dependable quality player.
Casemiro – 6
No glaring issues in defensive phases but his now trademark forward runs to create overloads in the attacking areas were absent.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6.5
Brighton clearly targeted him and he was dealt with extremely physically as they harried and pushed him whenever he had the ball. Lost it once close to his own box. A marked man now.
Mason Mount – 5
The usual Mount game where he ran hard, and played some nice passes but at some point, fans will expect more from a player stationed further forward than just “runs a lot”. Zirkzee for Mount seems like a no-brainer selection choice right now and that’s exactly what happened at half-time.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
Couldn’t create much as Brighton left no space between the lines. Was everywhere on the pitch to get on the ball but to the detriment of the team in attack as he’s at his best further forward.
Amad – 7
Got a fortunate deflection to draw United level in the second half as he finally started running in behind. Great chop inside to create space and a deserved goal. Missed United’s big chance from Dalot’s cross which he should have at least tested the keeper with.
Marcus Rashford – 5
Was enterprising in attack and tried to take on his man but his shooting boots have just gone missing. Missed a headed chance then his luck was summed up when the ball struck his heel and went in but he was offside.
Substitutes
Alejandro Garnacho – 7
Immediately added attacking thrust to the side and should have had a goal but for an unbelievable bit of bad luck as his goalbound shot hit Zirkzee in an offside position. Should start ahead of Rashford on current form for now.
Joshua Zirkzee – 7
Came on at half-time to provide a much-needed focal point up top. Showed nice link-up play and fashioned a good chance for Fernandes with a disguised pass. Couldn’t do much as Garnacho’s shot hit him and went in when he was offside as he made the right run and couldn’t be anywhere else at that moment.
Matthijs de Ligt – 6.5
Same sub as last game with Maguire coming off and will have a goal against his name during his time on the pitch.
Scott McTominay – 6.5
Ten Hag has firmly decided his role as he came in for Bruno Fernandes, free to roam in the attacking third, released from defensive or buildup responsibilities.
Antony – 6
Came on with injury time looming and couldn’t make much of an impact.
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