It was a defensive horror show from Manchester United defenders with Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof producing an error-prone display. Chris Hughton’s men were deserved winner on the day as they capitalized on defensive errors and punished United. This is only the tenth time in Premier League history that Manchester United have conceded three first-half goals in a game and the first time since October 2015 vs Arsenal.
Manchester United produced another disjointed display with Anthony Martial and Romelu Lukaku struggling in attack. Paul and Fred also struggle to impose themselves in midfield and lost the ball on many occasions.
1. Anthony Martial’s continues to struggle
After the defeat against Brighton and Hove Albion, Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has reportedly “made a new plea” to Ed Woodward to sell Anthony Martial this summer.
The Manchester United forward cut a frustrated figure as Jose Mourinho’s side slumped to an uninspiring defeat at Brighton over the weekend. Anthony Martial was strongly linked with a move away from Old Trafford earlier in the summer transfer window after leaving United’s pre-season tour of America early. Martial was even fined for his failure to report after the birth of his child.
The French international was an unused substitute in Manchester United’s opening game against Leicester City but was restored in starting eleven against Brighton on Sunday because of Alexis Sanchez’s absence because of an injury. However, he failed to capitalize on this opportunity and produced another lacklustre display as he was eventually substituted with half an hour remaining.
The signing of Alexis Sanchez in the January transfer window had a negative impact on Martial’s progression and his agent has said the France international wanted to leave. Jose Mourinho on numerous occasion has lamented his lack of consistency. He never looked convinced when speaking about the Frenchman. He hasn’t been able to always accommodate the French forward in his starting line-up with Alexis Sanchez and Marcus Rashford also options on the left wing. Jose Mourinho needs to play Anthony Martial every week to get the best out of him which seems quite unlikely given his lack of trust in him.
2. The Paul Pogba saga rumbles on
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho might have hoped to subdue the growing speculation about Paul Pogba’s future by placing the captain’s armband on him but comments by Pogba himself, and the player’s outspoken agent Mino Raiola, over the last few days have only added to the uncertainty surrounding the World Cup-winning midfielder.
After the match, speaking to media, Pogba acknowledged his poor individual performance in Manchester United’s 3-2 loss at Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday. The French midfielder said he ”should have done much better” and that his ”attitude wasn’t right.” Pogba lost the ball on numerous occasions as United produced a disjointed display. His lacklustre performance against the seagulls attracted plenty of criticism. Manchester United legend Paul Scholes lamented the ”lack of leaders in the team,” and criticized Pogba for his inconsistent performances.
“There’s a lack of leaders in the team. We thought Paul Pogba might be the ideal candidate to be that leader but he wasn’t there today. He had another really poor game. He’s so inconsistent.” said Paul Scholes.
And now, Pogba’s outspoken agent, Mino Raiola, has added to the turmoil around Manchester United by attacking Paul Scholes that the club’s former midfielder should be appointed sports director and advise Ed Woodward, the executive vice-chairman, to sell the Frenchman.