Manchester United produced a shambolic display in a 3-1 loss at Brentford.
Ruben Amorim is still waiting to win back-to-back Premier League games after the 2-1 win over Chelsea was followed up with a 3-1 defeat to Brentford.
United had legitimate gripes with the referee and VAR after Nathan Collins avoided a red card with the score poised at 2-1.
But really, Amorim’s side had only themselves to blame after poor defending and weak goalkeeping saw the Red Devils fall 2-0 down inside the first 20 minutes.
Diogo Dalot called out for ‘ball watching’
Manchester United were undone by two long balls from Brentford. The first saw Harry Maguire caught out as he stepped up momentarily, and Igor Thiago beat the offside trap and went on to score.
Brentford’s second goal was more avoidable with Thiago left unmarked in the penalty box after playing a one-two with Kevin Schade.
The goal was discussed on MUTV’s Matchday Review, with Diogo Dalot’s role called out.
Diogo Dalot left his right-back position to move into the centre of the box, but failed to track Thiago’s run, allowing the striker a scoring opportunity.
Analyst Danny Simpson explained: “De Ligt gets himself all in the wrong position, doesn’t really get the chance to challenge. Diogo Dalot, now runs inside.
“But if you’re gonna do that, then you’ve got to be aware of the striker. He’s not looking at the ball
“Everyone’s staring at the ball. This is what we get told as a kid… I can’t understand why he did that.
“You got to smell danger, as a defender you have to think worst case.”
Wes Brown was in agreement, pointing out that several players were at fault defensively and it only needed one of them to get tight to Thiago.
He said: “We sort of are all watching. We’re not really looking at the man. Now if somebody just marks a man, then it’s like a 50/50, to see who gets there first.”
Worrying Manchester United trend
Manchester United’s problems are not confined to the Brentford defeat. The Red Devils have won only two of seven matches in all competitions this season – and both victories have come by a single goal.
Simpson pointed out the ball watching that was evident against Brentford has also been a mistake spotted in previous matches too.
He pointed out two goals where Bruno Fernandes had been one of the players at fault, for goals conceded against Fulham and Manchester City.
Simpson said: “That seems to be a thing in our game at the moment. I think Fulham and Smith-Rowe run of us. Foden, were all looking at the ball and not the man for the first goal.”
While debate rages over systems and tactics, it may simply be that good defensive fundamentals are missing, and this is something Manchester United need to get hold of.
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