By Sam Dean, on the Amex Stadium
Are Manchester United a power reborn? That appears to have been the sensation across the membership for a lot of this season, however it is going to be onerous for rival groups to take them too severely till they be taught to outlive nights like this, in opposition to tough opponents, away from the acquainted comforts of Outdated Trafford.Â
There was no trepidation from Brighton on this assembly with Erik ten Hag’s facet, and no sense {that a} so-called smaller group was taking part in in opposition to a so-called footballing large. As a substitute it was United’s gamers who appeared to have worry of their eyes. Particularly on the finish, when Brighton swarmed round them and one level instantly turned none.Â
The large-picture concern is that this gruelling loss, secured by Alexis Mac Allister’s 99th-minute penalty, was merely the newest in a protracted line of sad away matches for United in opposition to adventurous opponents. In eight away fixtures in opposition to groups at the moment within the high 9 of the Premier League, they’ve taken just one level.Â
The opposite, extra instant concern is what this defeat – their third in a row to Brighton within the league – may imply for his or her place within the desk. Liverpool are looming within the race for the highest 4 and, though United have a four-point lead with one sport in hand, they have to now be trying over their shoulders. This can be a time to tread very rigorously certainly, particularly with Jürgen Klopp’s facet on a five-match profitable run.
