Manchester United’s woes continued as they plummeted into their third defeat in five Premier League matches when the irresolute Red Devils suffered another morally-crippling loss at home to Brighton on Saturday afternoon.
United has had a mixed bag kicking off for the new season as they had to come to grips with a psychologically-demotivating 3-1 defeat against Brighton – who now appear very much to be their regular nemesis – on Saturday. The Red Devils were soundly beaten at Old Trafford courtesy of strikes from former United man Danny Welbeck, Pascal Gross and Joao Pedro. Substitute Hannibal Mejbri curled in from afar United’s only goal of the game.
This being the first time in the competition’s history United have lost three out of their opening five Premier League matches, having won the other two against Wolves and Nottingham Forest – which leaves the Old Trafford club in 13th place and six points behind fourth-placed Brighton.
Former Man Utd assistant boss Mike Phelan has weighed in on the efficacy of Ten Hag’s set-up against Brighton and admitted the Red Devils “need to have a good look at themselves”.
“It was disjointed,” Phelan told Stadium Astro. “They looked as though they were setting up in a certain way of playing. I thought there was a lot of rotation, which exposed them to the strengths of Brighton, which was to play through the middle.
“They played through the middle, get it out wide and go again in the final third. They executed their gameplan perfectly. United have some lessons to learn, they need to have a good look at themselves and see where they can improve.
“In the attacking area, obviously they need to score goals, but in midfield and defence they need to tighten up. There’s a lot of players starting in certain positions, but then they get caught up in the game and open up space for the opposition to play.
“Teams are working them out and how to expose them. Bring them on, play through them, play beyond them and chances will come.”
The Red Devils travel to the German champions having lost their last two matches against Arsenal and Brighton, with United also winless away from home this season. While Ten Hag believes his side will can prevail against Bayern this midweek in the Champions League, he is acutely aware they will have to be at their best without any doubts.
“Bayern Munich I think is one of the favorites to win the Champions League so we have to be good there,” Ten Hag – who previously coached Bayern’s reserve side – told United club media on Saturday, before outlining what qualities his side must show.