Manchester United is currently facing a multitude of challenges, both on and off the pitch, as they grapple with deep-seated issues. The most recent setback involved the exclusion of Antony from the squad, adding to the concerns surrounding the team following Jadon Sancho’s similar situation.
On the field, United’s struggles continued, culminating in a disheartening 3-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford, further complicating Erik ten Hag’s tenure.
After enduring two defeats in their first four Premier League matches, the team’s performance demanded immediate attention and correction. The international break offered a timely opportunity for Ten Hag to rejuvenate his squad, regroup, and address their shortcomings.
Despite a promising start against Brighton, where it seemed that Ten Hag’s training ground work was paying off with a fast-paced beginning, excitement quickly turned into disappointment as the Seagulls capitalized on United’s mental fragility. Former United player Danny Welbeck opened the scoring early on, setting the tone for Brighton’s dominance.
As Roberto De Zerbi’s side extended their lead, they showcased their attacking prowess with second-half goals from Pascal Gross and Joao Pedro, securing their fourth consecutive victory over United. Journalist Samuel Luckhurst characterized this performance as a “full-blown crisis.”
Several players contributed to this crisis, including Lisandro Martinez, whose lackluster display failed to match the form that earned him praise from teammate Luke Shaw last season.
Martinez struggled with match sharpness and faced relentless pressure from Brighton’s dynamic attack. He won just one ground duel, made a single tackle, intercepted the ball once, and was dispossessed four times, according to Sofascore.
However, Martinez was not the only one who disappointed Ten Hag on that day. Scott McTominay, despite once being labeled “special” by former manager Jose Mourinho, delivered a forgettable performance.
Deployed on the right side of United’s midfield trio in a narrow formation, McTominay had an opportunity to impress. However, Brighton’s explosive counter-attacks exposed the vulnerabilities of this setup, rendering McTominay ineffective.
While Ten Hag previously praised McTominay for his determination, this performance contradicted that assessment. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, McTominay struggled to make an impact, frequently bypassed by the opposition, and failed to advance the ball effectively.
His limited involvement was evident as he managed only 22 touches compared to Andre Onana’s 47. McTominay also lost possession three times, made just one interception, and failed to record any tackles.
In light of his inexplicable performance, as described by Luckhurst, it is clear that McTominay may not meet the standards required for United to compete at the top of the Premier League. Ten Hag should heed Roy Keane’s previous assessment and consider omitting McTominay from the squad in the next match.