The performances were not as bad as last season, but that is not a big hurdle because the results were not convincing.
Brighton succeeded where Fulham failed, securing all three points with a last-minute goal, while Manchester United continued to look like they were still in the development phase.
The system with a split striker and a false nine formation was retained, so that Joshua Zirkzee could not act as a central point at the top.
However, this game highlighted what was becoming clearer with each passing game. Erik ten Hag has a £60 million problem to solve as the Glazers’ parting legacy.
Erik ten Hag’s selection problems
Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe only took real control of transfers this summer and with no major signings made in January, last summer was the last that the Glazers were in charge of footballing matters.
Four players were transferred permanently, one of them being backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. Two of the remaining three – Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana – seemed to be successful at some point.
That leaves Mason Mount, Chelsea’s £60 million (including additional costs) signing who spent last season on the treatment bed but got playing time this season.
When he was signed, it was said that he was not an obvious fit for the club and that there was no role in which he could make an immediate impact.
This proved true and was more evident than ever against Brighton, as United again played with four midfielders and struggled with the same problems they had against Fulham.
Mount worked hard, applied pressure and showed good passing, but that was about it. Ten Hag has already said that Mount will be deployed further up front, but with the attacking position comes the responsibility of scoring goals and providing assists.
A clear change is coming
Mount was substituted at half-time against Brighton and Ten Hag later said it was due to injury, but it is safe to assume that a substitution would have been made anyway.
United desperately needed a focal point and ideally both Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund would play if fit.
For now, Zirkzee has to step up as he offers the same combination play as Mount, but is better at finishing and ball control.
With Zirkzee on the pitch, United seem to be a better team as it also allows Fernandes to give up his role as playmaker and stay further up front where he can perform at his best.
Mount is still an asset to the team, but is currently in danger of being seen as the end product of the Glazers’ thoughtless spending, especially in light of his recent injuries.
Ten Hag needs to find a way to replace these £60 million problems, even if it’s just as a substitute, but he needs to get fit again first.
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