Manchester United have been accused of being on the beach after their gloomy season receded for weeks, and Ralph Rangnik’s unfortunate team was at sea while Brighton condemned them to a humiliating defeat on the South Coast.
Graham Potter’s team escaped the blocks and Moses Caicedo’s early strike put them in command. Goals in the second half by Marc Cucurela, Pascal Gross and the outstanding Leandro Trosar in 11 minutes brought a new low level for the United team from the inappropriate, as they fell to the fifth consecutive defeat as a guest. Brighton had not won at home since Boxing Day, but it seemed that Christmas came early for the home fans after this euphoric victory.
The Fiver: register and receive our daily football email.
Potter made a forced change to the team, which easily won the Wolves, as Gross was promoted to Enock Mwepu after the midfielder was ruled out due to a groin injury.
Rangnik, meanwhile, has chosen to stick with the same team that beat Brentford in their last home game of the season last Monday. Harry Maguire was able to return after missing the last three games with a back injury, but started on the bench.
The hosts started brilliantly, but Danny Welbeck failed to direct his header from Trosar’s cross into the goal. Trosar seemed in the mood to embarrass United and threatened Brighton on the right wing.
United have lost their previous four away games and were insecure about their early game, highlighting their recent struggles. Their slow start was encapsulated by Cristiano Ronaldo, who lavishly sent a pass a short distance out of the game to the delight of the home fans.
Brighton were sharper to the ball and their positivity was rewarded with a breakthrough after 15 minutes. Gross’s shot was aimed and the ball fell to Caicedo. The midfielder struck a low shot from the edge of the zone beyond David de Gea’s desperate dive to score his first goal for the club. It was no more than Brighton deserved.
In response, Bruno Fernandes tried an ambitious volley from the zone, but failed and he was safely out of the game. Nemanja Matic was next in action, but his meek effort was also well off target.
United struggled to cope with Trosar and the striker’s direct hit forced another corner with the ball deflected to safety. Welbeck then fired a volley over the crossbar from a free kick while Brighton continued to dominate.
The hosts threatened again after Scott McTominey carelessly allowed possession in his own half, but Trosar sent his shot away from the far post.
Ronaldo had the opportunity to finally test Robert Sanchez before the break from a free kick in a dangerous position, but hit over the crossbar.
Moses Caicedo celebrates Brighton’s first goal against Manchester United. Photo: James Marsh / Shutterstock
Brighton were close to adding a second goal just before half-time after Rafael Varane failed to control Sanchez’s long clearing down the pitch, but Welbeck failed to direct his will towards the goal. This would complement the dominant performance in the first half of the hosts against their fragile rivals.
Rangnik was clearly not impressed with the first 45 minutes and chose to replace Fred and Edinson Cavani in place of Anthony Elanga and Matic in a double half-time change.
But within three minutes of the restart, United fell even further behind. Trosar smashed Kukurela and Spain’s left-back hit the net from close range. The stadium was shaking and United were on extremely unstable ground.
It took 55 minutes for United’s first shot on goal, but Juan Mata’s volley flew straight into Sanchez’s hands. Brighton complicated the misery of their opponents with a third goal after Trosar played in Gross and the midfielder calmly walked past De Gea.
It got even worse for the visitors when Diogo Dalot’s clean-up was put into the net by Trosar for Brighton’s fourth goal. This was checked by the VAR for a possible handball, but there was no break for United. Alexis McAllister was then denied a fifth goal by Brighton with his shot to Dalot’s crossbar.
The Fiver: register and receive our daily football email.
United’s despair was summed up when Cavani struck at home after Roberto Sanchez parried a header against reserve Maguire, only to be thrown offside.
Eric ten Haag is focused on winning the title at Ajax before considering his new job at Old Trafford, but when the new manager watches a replay of this ugly show, he can be forgiven for doubting his decision to take on the challenge. A monumental restoration work is imminent, and Brighton has relentlessly revealed all the flaws in this broken team.
Add Comment