"Old weaknesses plague Man United in late defeat to Brighton"

Despite hopes that this would be the season Manchester United would show their strength, the team is still searching for that decisive edge. Among the summer signings, Mazraoui has made an immediate impact at right-back, performing admirably against Mitoma, who was a standout in Brighton's opening win over Everton. Zirkzee, another new arrival, has been used sparingly, making two substitute appearances—first, scoring a late winner in United's 1-0 victory over Fulham, and then replacing Mason Mount at halftime against Brighton. This change allowed Bruno Fernandes to return to his preferred No. 10 role, making United more dangerous and suggesting that the experiment of playing Fernandes as a false No. 9 might need to be shelved.

While this approach helped United last season, leading to two Premier League wins and an FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, Fernandes seems more comfortable behind a central striker like Zirkzee. This was evident when his pass to Garnacho nearly produced a winning goal.

Meanwhile, De Ligt is being gradually introduced into the heart of United’s defense, coming on as a late substitute in both the Fulham and Brighton matches. Though Harry Maguire worked tirelessly, De Ligt is clearly seen as the long-term solution at center-back. However, De Ligt was on the pitch when Brighton's Pedro found space in United's box to score the winner, highlighting ongoing defensive frailties. Lisandro Martinez also struggled to reach his usual standards, leaving questions about how Ten Hag will balance his defensive options once 18-year-old Leny Yoro returns from injury.

United's performance underscored their urgent need to secure defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain before the transfer window closes. The 23-year-old would provide more mobility in midfield compared to the aging Casemiro. Brighton’s Billy Gilmour, who has been linked with Napoli, was a standout performer, finding space and composure amid United's chaotic pressing to unlock their defense.

United’s upcoming fixtures are daunting, including matches against Liverpool, Southampton, and Tottenham. With only a few days left in the transfer window, the pressure is on to finalize key signings and determine which players will leave. Jadon Sancho was notably absent from the squad again, while Scott McTominay made a brief appearance amid ongoing transfer speculation. The looming match against Liverpool on September 1 feels like it may come too soon for Ten Hag's evolving side to fully gel. The Dutch manager needs time to mold his team, but with pressure mounting and limited goodwill in reserve, time is a luxury he may not have.

For Brighton, under the leadership of 31-year-old Fabian Hürzeler, the youngest permanent manager in Premier League history, they continue to impress. Hürzeler's aggressive 4-2-4 formation has delivered two wins from two, and his unapologetically attacking style is thrilling to watch. Brighton’s summer spending has been significant, with more new arrivals expected, making them a team to watch closely this season.

As United scramble to find the right balance, the question remains: can they hit their stride before the season's early challenges overwhelm them?

4o