Another home defeat for Amorim as Man United lose 3-1 to Brighton: Five things we learned | OneFootball

Just three days since their last match at Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim had a chance to record consecutive league wins for the first time since joining United. For Brighton it was a chance to win at Old Trafford for the third time in a row and to move within touching distance of the European places. And it was the Seagulls who prevailed.

Brighton took an early lead in the fifth minute, before Bruno Fernandes equalised from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute. The sides went into the break level but two goals in the second-half were enough to secure a comfortable victory for the visitors.

Here are five things we learned:

Amorim’s teething problems continue

United were second best for long portions against Southampton and were lucky to take the victory. Afterwards, Amorim admitted that he expects the tough times to continue for the rest of the season and the Portuguese manager may be correct. The Reds showed little sign of improvement against Brighton, as they were deservedly defeated. Amorim’s team have real problems advancing the ball and creating chances. Coupled with their defensive frailties, it is a recipe for disaster for the Manchester side. With no news of any reinforcements joining in the January transfer window, Amorim will have to find answers from within his squad.

Lucky Baleba

Carlos Baleba has been a standout performer for Brighton this season and has earnt a lot of praise. He did not take long to exhibit why, playing a wonderful long ball over the top of United’s defence to set up Brighton’s opener. It did not all go perfectly for the midfielder though, in the 23rd minute  Amad stole the ball back from Brighton and found Joshua Zirkzee in a great position. On the penalty spot, Zirkzee was surely about to shoot when he was dragged down by Baleba. The referee pointed to the spot and Baleba was lucky to escape with just a yellow card, perhaps benefitting from the double jeopardy rule. Aside from conceding the penalty, the Cameroonian put in another good performance

Zirkzee impresses

Joshua Zirkzee has had a troubled start to his United career since joining from Bologna for £36.5 million in the summer. The low point for the Dutch international came in United’s home loss against Newcastle, just before New Year. Zirkzee was removed in the first half and booed off by his own fans. However, since then there has been an upturn in the striker’s form and today he was handed the starting spot over Rasmus Hojlund. Zirkzee put in a good performance, holding the ball up and linking play well, as well as winning United’s penalty. The Stretford End recognised his efforts and sang his name as the forward was substituted in the 84th minute, a vast improvement to the reaction he received just three weeks ago.

Minteh makes an impact

In his first Premier League start simce before Christmas, Yankuba Minteh made his presence felt. After just five minutes, the winger got on the scoresheet, tapping home to give the Seagulls the lead. Then, in the 60th minute Minteh had space down the right handside and put a perfect delivery into the middle. A stretching Kaoru Mitoma just had to get any kind of contact on the ball to steer it home and he obliged to give Brighton the lead again. It was an impactful appearance from Minteh and he surely won’t have to wait so long for another start.

Onana’s nightmare

In the 76th minute, an aimless cross was sent into the United box by Solly March. Too close to Andre Onana and with no Brighton players in range of reaching it, it should have been an absolutely routine stop for the Cameroonian goalkeeper. However, United’s keeper had an absolute nightmare, failing to collect the low cross and instead pushing it out into the path of Georginio Rutter. The ex-Leeds attacker then had the simplest of finishes to put Brighton two goals clear. It was an absolute howler from Onana and put the game out of reach for the home side.