Man United player ratings as Paul Pogba and company have nightmares in Brighton

Chris Bailey 21:28 19/08/2018
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  • Brighton inflicted a 3-2 defeat on United in August - arguably Mourinho's worst performance in charge.

    Is the third-season rot already setting in for Jose Mourinho? A limp and lax performance from Manchester United saw Brighton run out thoroughly deserved 3-2 winners at Amex Stadium.

    The Seagulls never looked back from Glenn Murray’s fine early finish, with defender Shane Duffy doubling the lead before Romelu Lukaku pulled one back for the visitors.

    However, there was never any hope of a comeback, as a terrible Eric Bailly error gave Pascal Gross the chance to score from the spot and a late Paul Pogba penalty gave a generous sheen to the scoreline from United’s perspective.

    MANCHESTER UNITED (4-3-3)

    David De Gea – Least of United’s problems, though surely the organisation of this defence partially falls on his lap. Needs to be more vocal 5

    Ashley Young – On to his natural side but his crosses for the most part were aimless and didn’t impose himself defensively, either. 5

    Eric Bailly – Inexplicably conceded the corner that led to Brighton’s second and a typical rash challenge gave away the penalty. 3

    Victor Lindelof – Scarcely any better than Bailly. Caught sleeping for the opener – he clearly has no connection with his defensive partner. 4

    Luke Shaw – Contributed an assist, if you could call it that. Otherwise no attacking impetus and struggled to contain Knockaert. 4

    Andreas Pereira – Barely noticeable, but given many of his team-mates’ obvious mistakes, could be worse in the context of the game. 5

    Fred – Gave away the ball that led to penalty, but it was a poor pass from De Gea. Even still, he didn’t provide the thrust he was bought for. 5

    Paul Pogba – Captain of a sinking ship. Lost the ball numerous times through silly dawdling in midfield and hopeless punts into attacking third. 3

    Juan Mata – Made 17 passes in the 45 minutes he was on the field. Supposed to be one of United’s most creative players. No infliuence. 3

    Romelu Lukaku – Deft header gave United that glimmer of hope. Pretty clumsy otherwise – but who could blame him in this team? 5

    Anthony Martial – Shock call-up to the starting XI with Sanchez injured, but barely looked interested. So much wasted potential. 3

    SUBSTITUTES

    Marcus Rashford (for Mata 46′) – A willing runner, which was refreshing, but couldn’t convert endeavour into end product. 6

    Jesse Lingard (for Pereira 46′) – Neat and tidy on the ball – however United need cutting edge, not cleanliness. 5

    Marouane Fellaini (for Martial 60′) – You know it’s going wrong for United when Fellaini is brought on up top. 5

    Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester United - Premier League

    BRIGHTON (4-4-1-1)

    Mat Ryan – Decent save from Pogba in second half, though so dismal were United they got just that shot and the two goals on target. 6

    Martin Montoya – Locked down Martial and had a commanding presence down that right flank. Gutsy display. 7

    Shane Duffy – Striker’s finish for Brighton’s second and put his body on line in defence, though clumsy foul for penalty. 8

    Lewis Dunk – Seagulls leader hobbled off early in the first half after giving the ball away. His team did a mighty fine job without him. 5

    Gaetan Bong – Back in the team after Bernardo’s poor performance and acquitted himself well. But it was hardly a United onslaught. 7

    Anthony Knockaert – Gives Seagulls the X factor. Put opener on plate for Murray, fouled four times as visitors couldn’t cope. 8

    Dale Stephens – Workmanlike in midfield and that’s no knock on him. Superb workrate. Careless with the ball on occasion. 7

    Davy Propper – Made seven tackles as he and Stephens hounded the lackadaisical Red Devils. Has an enviable engine. 8

    Solly March – His corner caused chaos, which led to Duffy’s swept finish. Maintained his discipline throughout. 7

    Pascal Gross – Drew the foul from Bailly for the penalty that ultimately won the game. A touch of class in the attacking third. 8

    Glenn Murray – One shot, one goal. That shot was delicately diverted over a sprawling De Gea. Never needs a hatful of chances. 7

    SUBSTITUTES

    Leon Balogun (for Dunk, 20′) – Unexpected early substitution but wasn’t caught cold. Four tackles, three interceptions, five clearances. 8

    Beram Kayal (for Gross, 90′) – N/A

    Jurgen Locadia (for Murray 90+3′) – N/A

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