Manchester United’s dismal performance in the 2023/24 Premier League season might soon be behind them. The focus will shift away from comparing current performances with that troubled period, making the past season seem increasingly irrelevant.
Currently, the second phase of Erik ten Hag’s tenure will influence our view of the team. This is how early performances of United are being assessed this season.
Although the results from the opening weekend were positive, there were still concerns. It wasn’t the disaster we had come to expect last season. For much of the match, United appeared more disciplined and organized than their opponents. However, their tendency for instability persisted.
United conceded an easy goal in a lackluster first half, and while they managed to secure a last-minute win, they were fortunate to do so. Failing to clear a corner and defending poorly in the penalty area during the second phase was reminiscent of past issues, especially as Brighton’s pressure increased.
What could have been a validating point for Ten Hag’s revamped team dissipated, bringing back old questions. The team shows improvement, yet whether these changes are enough remains uncertain. They have become more compact and better at pressing but are still struggling to create chances and make defensive errors. This sets up significant pressure for their next match at Old Trafford against Liverpool.
While Ten Hag’s team did secure a win in May, it felt like an anomaly. Brighton had been in good form, winning four of their last five Premier League matches and are, in many ways, the model United aims to replicate under Ineos. Brighton not only poses a challenge for United but also serves as a benchmark in various respects.
United aspires to become a top-tier version of Brighton, which is their objective. This is a team that executes many things well. They replace a departing top manager with another high-caliber coach previously overlooked by Premier League clubs, and they follow this process consistently.
This summer, Brighton’s transfer activity has been steadier compared to previous years, and they’ve outspent United on new acquisitions. These additions are young talents with high potential, featuring innovative players from Mainz, Nordsjaelland, and Gothenburg.
Under the guidance of 31-year-old head coach Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton plays in a similar style to Roberto De Zerbi. Their wingers advance rapidly, they use two attackers, and they aim to exploit pressing defenses when deep.
Many major clubs envy Brighton’s consistency and success in the transfer market, and United is no exception. United has long struggled with inconsistency, jumping from one approach to another. If any team deserved to win, it was Brighton, and Hurzeler seems to be another top-notch manager.
The fact that Ten Hag lost to a coach 23 years his junior will be a notable point for him. Although he managed to navigate the summer, he will face increasing pressure early in the season and needs to avoid similar setbacks.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s commitment to Ten Hag represents a significant gamble as the owner. United is making progress under Ineos, and their summer transfers appear promising. They cannot afford many more performances like this one.
