Manchester United must now consider a discouraging loss at Brighton and Hove Albion.
We anticipated celebrating Manchester United's victory over Brighton before the game even started. We were on track after a great first half effort.
We would have been content to leave with a draw had it not been for Brighton's late-game pressure, especially given how they played in stoppage time.
Then tragedy struck at the moment of death. VAR detected a handball by Luke Shaw. Penalty. Loss of 1-0.
There are valid reasons to be depressed about the defeat. We should also make an effort to be a little optimistic. It's not all bad news, either.
Here are some observations to make about the night on the south shore, both good and bad.
United were solid at the back
To put this defensive display in perspective, consider how strong United's defense had been prior to the injuries to Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane. There were a few jittery moments, but that happens when you're away from home. As a stand-in left-back, Diogo Dalot performed admirably, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka held his own against Mitoma. Before his late handball, Luke Shaw appeared to be in charge.
They can still finish in top four comfortably
The future of Manchester United is in their hands. Leave Liverpool's advancing behind. We lead by five points and still have the game. A Champions League berth will be secured with three victories in the final five games. Three of the final four games will be at home if we can defeat West Ham away at the weekend.
They were creative
By halftime, Manchester United ought to have vanished from view. We were ahead, but we were wasting too much time before the goal. If United had a true top-tier scorer in this lineup, they would have won the game easily. This has been the season's narrative, and hopefully it won't happen again in 2023–2024. Prior to Brighton's penalty, United and Brighton had a combined five shots on goal.
An here are the negatives
No wins away from home
The away record for Manchester United this season against the top eight Premier League teams is "Played 8, Won 0, Drawn 1, Lost 7." Erik ten Hag will have a significant issue to address in the upcoming season because it is far from satisfactory.
They were wasteful
In the post match interview, Erik Ten Hag lamented about his side's in ability to take their chances. Creating opportunities is great, but you also need to be able to take advantage of them. This has been United's season's narrative. Anthony Martial presents no initial offer. Even less is offered by Wout Weghorst. Also lacking was the clinical edge Marcus Rashford had displayed earlier in the season.
Fatigue
It has been clear for weeks that United is beginning to feel the effects of the lengthy season. Even when we have leads, we occasionally have trouble winning games. We played well to start the game before losing. The previous week, it happened against both Tottenham and Aston Villa. Additionally, it cost Sevilla at home. This is a concern as we approach the last few weeks.
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