Erik ten Hag’s three howlers were the main reasons for Manchester United’s disappointing loss to Brighton.
Brighton & Hove Albion dominated Manchester United in a 3-1 defeat at Old Trafford on Wednesday. Danny Welbeck, Pascal Gross, and Joao Pedro scored the goals that caused several Manchester United fans to leave the stadium early.
1. After five Premier League games, the Red Devils are now in 13th place with only six points. While the players must take responsibility for the poor start, Erik ten Hag, the coach, must also be accountable. He made a few poor decisions, such as starting McTominay and switching to diamond midfield, which helped the Seagulls to demolish United yesterday.
Ten Hag changed the formation since Antony and Sancho were absent. He went with a diamond midfield, with McTominay on the right and Eriksen on the left.
Brighton players had far too many opportunities to rush past the duo. For all three goals, United midfielders failed to track their runners. It would have been better to go with the same 4-2-3-1 formation and put Facundo Pellistri on the right wing.
2. Substituting Hojlund for Martial
Rasmus Hojlund made his complete debut yesterday and appeared to be in good spirits. He put the ball in the back of the net, but VAR ruled that it was not a goal.
Up forward, Hojlund appeared threatening and energetic. Ten Hag unexpectedly substituted the young striker for Anthony Martial in the 64th minute with Brighton leading 2-0.
In response to the Dutchman’s decision, Old Trafford was filled with boos. In the next half-hour, Martial stayed silent and gave nothing else.
3. Late introduction of Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho came on as a replacement last season and saved the Red Devils multiple times. He scored in the 88th minute of the game against Arsenal before the international break.
That may have been the game-winner, but VAR deemed it offside. Garnacho was not sent on the pitch until the 85th minute, at the request of the management. The Argentine had only five minutes to spark a comeback.
If Ten Hag had to replace Hojlund at the hour mark owing to fitness concerns, Garnacho, not Martial, should have been his replacement.