Manchester United

Alex Turk
Fan writer

We knew this already but Erik ten Hag is in a vulnerable position. A huge season for the manager and the club has not started well.

There have been slight improvements on some issues of the last campaign but, three games in, Manchester United have been beaten by a weakened Manchester City and a Brighton side in their second game under a young coach new to the Premier League.

Entering the September international break in defeat against Liverpool would intensify the doom and gloom at Old Trafford. But I am here to fight Ten Hag's corner - because there should have been three wins from three.

I say some of the plethora of problems that plagued the 2023-24 season are on the mend, but a damaging one remains. An agonising lack of clinical finishing has cost United dearly already.

Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay should have made sure City were toppled in normal time at Wembley. A 1-0 win followed against Fulham, but Bruno Fernandes wasted a one-on-one chance, before Alejandro Garnacho's missed open goal made for an unnecessarily nervy finale.

At the Amex, Amad Diallo squandered a glorious opportunity to open the scoring before his second-half equaliser. Then Garnacho, again, fluffed his lines with the goal gaping. Joshua Zirkzee was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but the 20-year-old winger had to put it out of the question.

Joao Pedro's 95th-minute headed winner was a sickener knowing what had preceded it down the other end. United have already missed six big chances in two Premier League games - no club has missed more.

Criticism about the defensive organisation for Brighton's last-gasp goal is unsurprising and understandable.

But Ten Hag cannot control his attackers with a remote. Wasted chances are not on him. It is down to the players to fix it.

Find more from Alex Turk at Stretford Paddock, external

Manchester United have agreed a deal with Paris St-Germain to sign midfielder Manuel Ugarte. The 23-year-old will cost £42m plus a possible £8.4m in add-ons.

How do you feel about the prospect of the Uruguayan joining? Is he the type of player the club needed?

Have your say here, external

Former Premier League winger Andros Townsend spoke to the Monday Night Club about Manchester United's wingers and the role they are expected to play:

"You look at Amad [Diallo] who has come in, he understands tactically what's needed from him out of possession. When he needs to press the full-back, press the centre-back or goalkeeper. He seems to get it.

"On the other side, I think Rashford is still stuck in an old-school winger mentality where you are resting out of possession, getting your breath back and when you get the ball you go again. The game has evolved.

"I was in the same situation when I was younger, but eventually the penny dropped. I think we're still waiting for the penny to drop with Rashford and I hope it's sooner rather than later. He needs to grasp it this season."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

England winger Raheem Sterling, 29, would consider a move to Manchester United but will not go ahead with a transfer until he has further discussed his contract with Chelsea. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United are intending to drive a hard bargain when it comes to a deal for Jadon Sancho this week.

Juventus are interested in the England international and Chelsea have been mentioned as an alternative.

But United sources are adamant they are not intending to give Sancho away.

Ideally, they would sell the 24-year-old. The second option would be an obligation to buy at the end of a season-long loan, which in itself would attract a fee.

I can already see that deal as one that might run to the 11pm deadline on Friday.

Image source, Getty Images

The Premier League's all time record goalscorer Alan Shearer says Manchester United have to become more potent in attack after an ineffective performance in Saturday's 2-1 defeat away at Brighton.

Striker Marcus Rashford, 26, was left out of England's Euro 2024 squad after a disappointing 2023-24 season and is yet to register a goal involvement or effort on target in United's first two games this campaign.

"He's had two games this season Marcus Rashford and he's not had one shot at goal," Shearer told Match of the Day.

"57 goals they [Man Utd] scored last season. That was the worst in the top half.

"So, Ruud Van Nistelrooy has been brought into there. He's going to have to work his magic somehow.

"I know they've got [Rasmus] Hojlund out injured, but when he comes in he's going to have to improve on that because on today's evidence and in the game against Fulham it's not been anywhere near good enough in front of goal."

Watch highlights of Match of the Day on BBC iPlayer

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri is having a medical at Burnley on Monday before what is expected to be a permanent transfer.

The 21-year-old Tunisia international joined United in 2019, since when he has had loan spells with Birmingham and Sevilla.

Hannibal did feature during pre-season but has not been involved in either of United’s opening two Premier League games.

Sources say no agreement has been reached yet but discussions are progressing positively.

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Brighton and Manchester United.

Here are some of your comments:

Brighton fans

Mick: A good performance. It took a while to get into the game and it was a quiet game for a few players. Milner, Gilmour and Pedro especially were the standout players. Minteh was a big threat in the first half, but he lacked that final pass. I'm looking forward to getting a permanent and recognised left-back. Keep the faith.

Normski: 'Never say die' performance. However, teams better than Manchester United would have capitalised more on Brighton's carelessness. Great changes near the end and it was so good to see Gilmour play his usual brilliant match. He has to stay!

Guy: A great performance. James Milner was outstanding in the centre of the park. He was instrumental in the way Brighton played and he was constantly looking for a forward pass. That finish from Pedro in the 95th minute is what you pay your money to see!

Steve: A great start to the season for Brighton. To be fair to Manchester United, the game could have gone either way. Ultimately, the substitutions seemed to make the difference. We could be in for some good times down on the south coast this season!

Man Utd fans

Terence: It is not about tactics, style or managers. This Manchester United squad do not have anywhere near enough quality to challenge. They are now two games in with a 50% win record. The likes of Manchester City and Arsenal will be giggling to themselves. Manchester United are simply not good enough.

Keith: We can't score and can't defend - same old story. I dread the nonsense Erik ten Hag will come out with. It is no good creating chances if you don't take them. Football is simple - score more than the other team and you will win. We need a prolific and proven striker now!

Tom: It is so boring seeing the same old issues. We haven't improved from last season at all. The midfield shape fell apart as soon as Mount came off, we looked wide open again. Fernandes coming off when we needed a goal was criminal. Rashford shouldn't be anywhere near this team either. Embarrassing.

Charlie: Most of our players aren't even excited to be on the pitch, let alone win! Erik ten Hag continues to prioritize his perception of the players' potentials instead of the reality that many of them are too slow, tactically inept and otherwise uninspired. Our last two managers have sucked the love of the game out of the dressing room. We look lost and despondent... again.

Image source, EPA

ESPN’s Mark Ogden feels Manchester United are making the right decision should they sell midfielder Scott McTominay to Napoli for a fee in the region of 30m euros (£25.4m).

The 27-year-old is yet to agree to the move to the Italian Serie A side, and personal terms are still to be agreed, but United are keen to move McTominay on.

"The principal reason for selling is because he is out of contract at the end of the season," said Ogden on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily Podcast.

"The second reason is that he is not good enough for Manchester United. They want to be challenging for the biggest honours again and they are not going to be doing that with players like McTominay.

"He is a great, committed player, but if he had the vision of Casemiro then he would be a brilliant player. And he does not so he is not quite good enough.

"I will be fair to him because he carried them last season with his goals, but if they are to be looking forward then they have to move players on like McTominay.

"They are also getting a decent fee which they can use to bring in someone better."

Listen to the Football Daily Podcast on BBC Sounds

Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician

In Manchester United's 1,152 PL games before Erik ten Hag took charge, they conceded an injury-time winner just twice.

In their 78 Premier League games under the Dutchman, they have conceded six. In Ten Hag’s defence…there is significantly more injury-time added on to games now.

Elsewhere on the stats from for United, despite starting both games, Marcus Rashford hasn’t had a shot in the Premier League yet this season.

It’s just the second time in his 274-game Premier League career that he’s failed to have a shot in back-to-back games he’s started, with the first coming against Stoke and Liverpool way back in October 2016.

Image source, Getty Images

"It is a massive week for Brentford and for Ivan Toney," says ESPN’s Mark Ogden.

The Bees striker has not yet agreed a deal to leave the club, but he has been linked to the Saudi Pro League and several English clubs in this transfer window.

BBC Sport understands Brentford have turned down a £35m bid for Toney from Saudi side Al-Ahli.

"I get the impression that he is not totally sold on going to Saudi Arabia," said Ogden on the BBC Radio 5 Live Football Daily Podcast. "But Brentford want the money because he is out of contract next summer.

"It might not be the challenge he wants, but he is 28-years-old and the money is ridiculous. Football fans will say they are all on life-changing money as it is but this really is that. He has not had the smoothest of careers and he has had to work his way to the top.

"I think he has waited until the end of the window just in case a club like Manchester United or Arsenal decided he is too good to miss out on. And I think he is. The fee for him is not massive, but clubs are probably put off because of balancing profit and sustainability rules.

"It is a sad situation and a bit of a mess that Toney might have to leave the Premier League."

Listen to the Football Daily Podcast on BBC Sounds

Chelsea are considering a move for Manchester United's England winger Jadon Sancho, 24, and could look to include 29-year-old England forward Raheem Sterling in a swap deal. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Selling Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay, 27, to Napoli will boost Manchester United's pursuit of 23-year-old Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte, whose club Paris St-Germain are holding out for £51m. (ESPN), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Gary Lineker presents highlights and analysis from Saturday's seven Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Tottenham 4-0 Everton

• Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Erik ten Hag admitted 'soft' goals were the major factor behind Manchester United's defeat at Brighton.

A decent performance at Amex Stadium yielded zero reward, after Joao Pedro's 95th-minute header gave the home side victory.

But Erik ten Hag didn't have to look far to see where it went wrong for United.

"Both goals are very soft and, as a team, we should have done better. That is for sure," said the United boss.

"For the winner, we didn’t stop the cross. There were three right-footed players and we didn't send the attacker wide. Instead, we allowed the cross. We have to talk about that."

United's failure to subdue Simon Adringa in that crucial last phase of the game compounded the frustration felt at Alejandro Garnacho's second half effort being ruled out, because the Argentine's shot struck Joshua Zirkzee - who was offside - as it was about to cross the line.

"It is very disappointing," said Ten Hag. "It also happened in the Community Shield when we conceded just before time.

"We should be more clinical, read the game and take the point. We were close to winning this game, but definitely we shouldn't lose it."

Martin Keown
Former England defender on Final Score

Image source, Getty Images

You feel that pressure is already on Erik ten Hag.

The momentum they seemed to get from that opening day win to then have lost this weekend - it is worrying.

Their next game is Liverpool at home so let's see how they do there.

They did well in that fixture last season, so maybe how their season goes on from here hinges on that game.

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has been speaking to TNT Sports following the defeat: "It is difficult for us to accept because we had a good game and we had more chances than them. It is difficult, but we are still positive. We have big players, we are a big club, and it's the second game of the season. A lot of big ambitions this season, so we stay very positive."

On whether the goals could have been avoided: "Of course maybe, but it is part of the game. We came here to win and unfortunately we didn't win. I don't want to talk about mistakes because we win together and we lose together. We have a big game coming next week and we have to win."

On how the team will cope with the defeat: "We can only be positive because, through the tough times, we have to be together. We will look at the videos and be together. We are here to win and we have to look at what we did wrong, so I have no doubt about that."

On their ambitions for this season: "To win everything. We know what this shirt means, so we have to go for every trophy we face. It is one of the biggest clubs in the world."

On the new signings: "It is good to have a lot of options. Manchester United players have to adapt, each player has to be available for the manager and he makes the decision."

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

There were some distinct positives for Manchester United from their trip to Brighton.

Erik ten Hag had more control within the game - admittedly distinct from being in control, which they weren't really. But United created fluid attacking moves that really should have gained greater reward and there is a cohesion about the team which was lacking for most of last season.

However, those fundamental flaws still remain.

Ten Hag said both goals his side conceded were 'soft' - this is accurate. On both occasions, they failed to clear an initial cross and then a second one. On both occasions, the player who scored was unmarked.

Manchester United also failed to take their opportunities.

There was a huge element of bad luck about Alejandro Garnacho's goal being disallowed because Joshua Zirkzee was sliding on a wet pitch. But Amad Diallo should have put the visitors in front and he should have delivered a better pass to Marcus Rashford in the first half, when the game was still goalless.

Erik ten Hag feels his critics are choosing to focus on the negatives, but those negatives are real. If they are not rectified, Manchester United will find it tough to move forward.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day following the defeat: "When you should have taken at least a draw, we could have won it as well if that goal from the Joshua Zirkzee incident counts.

"It was difficult. In the moment, Zirkzee was on the slide. If he had read the situation better, maybe he could have avoided it, but you can do nothing once you are on the slide. You can't avoid the ball.

"It is tough, but we also created many more chances to score a second goal. We showed resilience and fought back. We had our opportunities to score more goals. It is disappointing when you don't win and then you lose."

On conceding late in the game: "Two soft goals. We have to be more clinical in both boxes and act better as a team. It is a pity that we are without any points here. We have to get up and go for the next big game which is coming up."

On any incoming transfers: "When we have news, we will come out as a club. You have to look for better [players]. We have an opportunity [in this transfer window], but we have to find the right options. So far we are happy with this squad and we go with this squad into the league."

On what he makes of their opening two results: "We have good potential, but we have to keep going until the end. The game is finished when the referee whistles three times. That is what we did not do well [in this game], so we have to improve that game management."

Image source, Getty Images

Since 2022-23, Manchester United have lost more Premier League games from goals scored in the 90th minute than any other side (six games). They had only lost two such games in their first 30 Premier League campaigns combined.