Manchester United's hopes for European qualification suffered a significant blow as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Brighton at the Amex Stadium, with several key players delivering below-par performances.
Defensive Woes Continue for United
André Onana in goal received a respectable 6/10, making several crucial saves to keep United in contention throughout the match. However, the defensive line ahead of him struggled significantly, with Diogo Dalot particularly disappointing with a 4/10 rating after being repeatedly exposed down Brighton's left flank.
The centre-back partnership of Casemiro and Jonny Evans failed to provide the necessary stability, with both players earning just 5/10. Casemiro's continued adaptation to the defensive role raised further questions, while Evans battled valiantly but ultimately couldn't contain Brighton's persistent attacks.
Midfield Battle Lost
Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen in central midfield both received 5/10 ratings, failing to establish control or create meaningful opportunities for the visitors. The midfield unit looked disjointed throughout, with Brighton's press causing constant problems for United's buildup play.
Garnacho the Lone Bright Spark
Among the few positives for United was Alejandro Garnacho, who earned a 7/10 rating for his energetic performance. The young winger constantly threatened Brighton's defence and came closest to scoring for the visitors with several dangerous attempts.
Unfortunately, Garnacho received little support from his attacking colleagues. Rasmus Højlund struggled to make an impact against Brighton's organised defence, earning a 5/10 rating, while the substitutions failed to change the game's momentum.
What This Means for Ten Hag
This defeat represents another setback in United's challenging season, raising further questions about their consistency and tactical approach. With European qualification hopes now hanging by a thread, Erik ten Hag faces increasing pressure to find solutions to his team's ongoing struggles.
The performance highlighted familiar issues in both defence and attack, with individual errors and lack of cohesion proving costly once again against a well-organised Brighton side.
