3 Reasons why Manchester United lost to Brighton & Hove Albion

Manchester United traveled to the AMEX Stadium to face Brighton & Hove Albion on an afternoon which turned out to be a disaster for them. Manchester United lost the second consecutive encounter against Brighton at the AMEX Stadium. They last met on 4th May 2018 where they lost 1-0 to Brighton courtesy of the goal by Pascal Groβ.

The Red Devils were confident of a win before the match after opening this year's Premier League season with a 2-1 win over Leicester City last weekend. On the other hand, Brighton came into this match after losing 2-0 to Watford at Vicarage Road. Brighton looked a different side from last weekend since the kick-off. They were playing freely and moving forward with ease. Brighton scored 2 goals in 3 minutes and the home fans were jubilant. Brighton won the match 3-2 at the final whistle in a superb performance shocking the Manchester United team and the fans.

Let us take a look at the main reasons why Manchester United lost to Brighton & Hove Albion:

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#3 Poor first half performance

David de Gea conceded 3 goals, which does not happen often

Brighton was allowed a lot of space in the midfield and the final third in the first half. Manchester United dominated the first 10 minutes but then lost control over the game and allowed some swift counter attacks by Brighton. Solly March crossed the ball in the center and Glenn Murray pounced on it and put the ball in the back of the net with an exquisite touch. Brighton scored another goal 2 minutes later and the United team looked lost. United did manage to reduce the deficit when Lukaku scored a header from inside the penalty box at 34 minutes.

Unfortunately, Manchester United couldn't manage another shot on goal in the remaining half. Manchester United's center defender's Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof were solid at the back last weekend against Leicester City. They both were off the mark today afternoon committing errors which cost them. Lukaku missed an important chance to score in the first half when the score was 0-0. Manchester United had a half to forget.

#2 Defensive mistakes

Bailly had a forgetful afternoon

One defender who had an off day was the Manchester United center back Eric Bailly. He gave a needless corner to Brighton which resulted in a goal and at the cusp of half-time fouled Pascal Groβ inside the penalty area and conceded a penalty. Groβ converted the penalty making it 3-1 at halftime for the home side.

When Murray scored the first goal, Lindelof was right behind him but couldn't stop him from scoring. It was an afternoon where most of the defensive mistakes made by United were punished by the opponents.

#1 Lack of attack in the final third

Paul Pogba couldn't inspire a United comeback like he did last season against Manchester City

Jose Mourinho made two substitutions at the start of the second half by replacing Juan Mata and Andreas Pereira with Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard. United's attack now comprised of Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial with Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard for support. Manchester United had a lot of possession in the second half but were unable to create any real chances. Pogba came close to scoring a second goal but was saved by the goalkeeper. United replaced Martial with Marouane Fellaini as the final change of the match for them. Manchester United could only manage a late penalty executed to perfection by Paul Pogba but it was too late.

United need to create more chances in the upcoming games if they have any chance of finishing in the top four this season. They have the quality but lacked the killer instinct that United fans are hoping to see since quite some time now. The Red Devils managed only 3 shots on target in the entire 90 minutes after being trailing 3-1 at the end of the first half. Manchester United will be facing Tottenham Hotspurs next weekend at Old Trafford. They will have to play much better if they are planning on taking 3 points from that game.