Brighton & Hove Albion – Manchester United: United Lose Late Despite Improvements (2-1)

Manchester United once again showed evidence that they have improved since last season, especially with their more compact pressing system which helped them to limit Brighton in the first half. However, they still fell late to João Pedro’s goal after some poor penalty box defending.

Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

Brighton made a flying start to the season last weekend with a 3-0 win at Goodison Park, but now faced a tougher challenge with the visit of Manchester United to the South Coast. Erik ten Hag’s side had beaten Fulham in their opening day fixture, with new signing Joshua Zirkzee getting on the scoresheet.

Fabian Hürzeler’s side lined up in a 4-2-3-1 shape with a back four of Joël Veltman, Jan Paul van Hecke, Lewis Dunk, and Jack Hinshelwood. James Milner and Billy Gilmour partnered in central midfield, while Yankuba Minteh and Kaoru Mitoma played wide. João Pedro then supported Danny Welbeck up front.

Ten Hag continued with the 4-2-2-2 system showcased since the end of last season. Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Diogo Dalot made up the back four, while Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo were the central midfielders. Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford started wide, with Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount acting as the central attackers.

United’s improved pressing

United’s defensive game was a serious problem for much of last season, and it led to them conceding a worrying amount of shots, even against nominally weaker opponents. In the final few games of last season, Ten Hag . . .