[Revaulx]

Hasn’t it? Their fans are insufferable as well. Plastic club, with a plastic, fake derby as well. I hope they get absolutely pillaged over the summer.

To be fair to Brighton, the tiresome stuff with Palace was wholly manufactured by the latter, who needed a rival after Charlton turned to shite.

 

[norm87cro]

Liverpool get two penalties in the last 2 games and this s... happens to us in the 99th minute? B... their is an agenda against our boys despite being c... recently and being depleted

 

[Craig Ward]

Entertaining game, both had chances.

Some games come down to fine margins.

Absolute howler from Shaw, who was one of our better players. It wasn't a free kick but that's no excuse.

Goals are a problem for us. The lack of a clinical No9 is telling. We have been far less of a threat across the front 3 since Martial started again. Weghorst isn't the answer, but he gets the wingers more involved in the game than Martial at least. I'm failing to see anything benefit of Martial.

Dalot at LB is a disaster too, when Malacia is on the bench. He's way too erratic.

Brighton are a superbly run outfit, they play some great stuff and De Zerbi is a great manager who will go onto a big club. He's got every player working and understanding the plan there so credit to them.

We werent at our best and need to learn and push on again

 

[RaddyRed]

Been dragged into a battle with a poor Liverpool side (who have hit form at the right time).

Casemiro has turned into a different player since his ban, I'm not convinced Rashford is fully fit (he is our only source of goals) and the makeshift defence is struggling to hold out.

I actually fancy Brentford to get something at Liverpool and us to win at West Ham but we will see. Can't wait for the season to end tbh.

 

[justsomebloke]

Odd experience. Very good game tactically, we mostly didn't get drawn into losing cohesion and give Brighton the space they want with the ball, but carried out a well-timed press which frequently gave us turnovers. Especially in the first half, sadly less so in the second. Food for thought though that we basically did everything right tactically and Brighton still gave us a close game in the first, and were the stronger team in the second. But in any case, none of that helps much if we can't score on our chances. All in all, Brighton probably deserved the win though a draw wouldn't have been unearned either.

What a massive, massive brain fart by Shaw - who was otherwise arguably our best player yesterday.

Also of course, poetic justice after we beat them (undeservedly) 3-2 at Trafford two seasons ago due to a penalty called after the final whistle.

Top 4 will be fine anyway. We're not in bad form, nothing to suggest we should struggle much against our remaining opponents. But there went our chance to top 80 points, which would have been nice.

 

[groovyalbert]

Been dragged into a battle with a poor Liverpool side (who have hit form at the right time).

Casemiro has turned into a different player since his ban, I'm not convinced Rashford is fully fit (he is our only source of goals) and the makeshift defence is struggling to hold out.

I actually fancy Brentford to get something at Liverpool and us to win at West Ham but we will see. Can't wait for the season to end tbh.

Think that's a bit harsh to be honest, bar Spurs second half I wouldn't really fault them (Sevilla away aside - basically, whenever Maguire is out of the side).

To concede 1 goal in over 210 minutes of football v this Brighton side (and that being a penalty) is no shame. The fault lies in our attack.

What's annoying is that Brighton were there for the taking first half. They were struggling to get used to Caicedo at right back and there was so much space for us. Really poor finishing cost us this game. Crazy that we've never won at Brighton with fans in the ground. Shows a real mentality issue with some of our players, crumble under pressure. Away form suggests that his season too.

 

[SteveCoppellFan]

Knee jerkers will knee jerk.

You would think Liverpool are ahead of us and bang in form and we are having a disaster every week.

Liverpool have won a few games but they are by no means playing well and we are playing OK but just not taking our chances ...

Some fans need to stop frothing at the mouth every time we have a small setback, we are in a great position and come the end of the season we will look back and say we have made great progress this season.

 

[crossy1686]

Going to have to start taking a sudden interest in Liverpool and brightons remaining fixtures now. Thanks United

 

[BorisManUtd]

I found de Zerbi's comments how Brighton deserved so much to win both games bit annoying. I'd say in Fa Cup game it was even, Brighton were slightly better but ultimately both teams could've won it. Then last night we were better in 1st half (looking at chances), they were better in 2nd and fair enough - they deserved it as they had control and were pushing for winning goal (which though came in unlucky manner for us). But you'd think they battered us in both games the way he was talking.

Well done to Brighton fans over here anyways, brilliant side.

 

[RaddyRed]

Think that's a bit harsh to be honest, bar Spurs second half I wouldn't really fault them (Sevilla away aside - basically, whenever Maguire is out of the side).

To concede 1 goal in over 210 minutes of football v this Brighton side (and that being a penalty) is no shame. The fault lies in our attack.

What's annoying is that Brighton were there for the taking first half. They were struggling to get used to Caicedo at right back and there was so much space for us. Really poor finishing cost us this game. Crazy that we've never won at Brighton with fans in the ground. Shows a real mentality issue with some of our players, crumble under pressure. Away form suggests that his season too.

Maybe a bit harsh, but they are starting to make more and more mistakes. Doesn't help when the midfield goes missing in front of them

 

[Buster15]

Whether there is a refereeing conspiracy against United, which I seriously doubt, we should be good enough to cope with any of that.
I believe that we will just about make top 4 which has to be an objective.
Some of the players are clearly not suitable, some seem fatigued and some are just not doing enough.

 

[Champ]

But enjoyed a damn good sleep.

 

[Leftback99]

The difference in build up from the back between the two sides was frightening. Then whenever we did get the ball in midfield we'd immediately smash a long ball over the top which 9 times out of 10 went straight back to them.

We're still very much a counter attacking side relying on the magic from Rashford to win games.

 

[Buster15]

I found de Zerbi's comments how Brighton deserved so much to win both games bit annoying. I'd say in Fa Cup game it was even, Brighton were slightly better but ultimately both teams could've won it. Then last night we were better in 1st half (looking at chances), they were better in 2nd and fair enough - they deserved it as they had control and were pushing for winning goal (which though came in unlucky manner for us). But you'd think they battered us in both games the way he was talking.

Well done to Brighton fans over here anyways, brilliant side.

Well said. Brighton are a very well managed outfit at all levels. And they did play very well indeed.

But we know what the problem is and so does EtH. Poor finishing and unable to play at a high intensity for more than 45 minutes.
And that has to be rectified by next season.

 

[BorisManUtd]

Since the World Cup: Sancho has scored 3 league goals, Martial scored 2 PL goals, Antony scored only 1 (after scoring 3 in 3 back when he arrived), Garnacho 1 and Weghorst still 0.

That's 7 league goals scored from 5 attacking players.

 

[Eddy_JukeZ]

The difference in build up from the back between the two sides was frightening. Then whenever we did get the ball in midfield we'd immediately smash a long ball over the top which 9 times out of 10 went straight back to them.

We're still very much a counter attacking side relying on the magic from Rashford to win games.

If we play like that next season, Ten Hag has failed.

Truly hope we become better in that regard.

 

[Andrew Richmond]

It’s obviously tough with so many keys injuries over the course of the season but we are seriously way off the pace. The League Cup trophy in the cabinet masks what has been another poor season really regardless of whether we somehow hang onto the champions league spot.

 

[SouthMancRed]

I'm still cannot believe Shaw did that. It beggars belief especially in the VAR age. We're not Liverpool so it was always going to be picked up. Unreal.

 

[Maticmaker]

Heartbreaking result, especially for DeGea, what was he on, is sixteenth clean sheet?
'Brain fart' by Shaw after an otherwise good performance.

The positives were that we showed at last at least for 25-30 minutes in the first half that we do know how to press properly and it very much blunted Brighton's edge. AWB for the most part kept their winger isolated and this possible affected the lads confidence because when he did get away from AWB clutches and had a clear chance, he muffed it.
Antony I thought played a worth while/responsible role throughout although he missed probably the easiest chance of the night for us, he did his share of chasing back and doubling up for cover. Even Martial in the first half was running about as if he really wanted to be involved... of course it didn't last, but we've come to expect that now, and I don't honestly know why ETH didn't start with Sabitzer as another 'over the top', or 'through the channels', potential scorer.

Made life a bit harder for ourselves but cannot hear any 'fat lady singing anywhere'?
Brighton got their revenge for the semi result and they cheered the roof off.

Was it my imagination or did the commentator, the pundits, the whole TV team hardly give United a positive mention all night. Its true Brighton looked the more likely, but we had our moments, and every United tackle seemed to considered 'dubious', yet with the commentators every Brighton foul wasn't really a foul or a 'bad one', even the' play acting (twice trying to win a penalty) of Brighton's left winger, was just skimmed over... imagine if Bruno had gone down like that???
Perhaps I am beginning to believe in this ABU thing afterall?

 

[Crimson King]

The difference in build up from the back between the two sides was frightening. Then whenever we did get the ball in midfield we'd immediately smash a long ball over the top which 9 times out of 10 went straight back to them.

We're still very much a counter attacking side relying on the magic from Rashford to win games.

It's easier to build up from the back when you play with a back 3/5.

Our inability to successfully punish on the turnovers was definitely disappointing. In the first half we forced them into a lot of errors in the middle of the pitch. We run out of energy to do that in the second half, I think.

 

[Forevergiggs1]

Personal opinion: I am proud of Antony for standing up to Lewis Dunk. That feels like a proper Red Devil spirit. Thankful that he didn't get straight red, but considering he got away with it - well done!

Antony is like one of those annoying yorkie dogs that are constantly yapping and bark at everything much bigger than themselves. Hard to be proud of that.

 

[Leftback99]

It's easier to build up from the back when you play with a back 3/5.

Our inability to successfully punish on the turnovers was definitely disappointing. In the first half we forced them into a lot of errors in the middle of the pitch. We run out of energy to do that in the second half, I think.

They played a back 4.

 

[UTAretro]

Brighton players were play acting all game. Mitoma dived twice for a penalty. Not to mention the horrible challenges they were putting in. Webster should've been sent off for that one on Bruno.

feck Brighton!

Bo

Great Post and can't argue with any of that. Pity so many of our fans are unable to see that ten Hag's tactical skills very nearly won us that game in the first half.

If we don't get top 4 then I hope you lot somehow get it.

Thank you for your reply.

It is a pity that the post right above yours (that I am replying to) - and numerous posts in the previous pages - are blaming the referee for the result.

I understand the anger and confusion from certain supporters that Brighton have beaten them again. What I don’t understand is the narrative that it was somehow a fit up. It just doesn’t marry with the facts.

 

[GaryLifo]

Bo


Thank you for your reply.

It is a pity that the post right above yours (that I am replying to) - and numerous posts in the previous pages - are blaming the referee for the result.

I understand the anger and confusion from certain supporters that Brighton have beaten them again. What I don’t understand is the narrative that it was somehow a fit up. It just doesn’t marry with the facts.

People always try to find external reasons to deflect blame from it being their fault - or to protect it being the fault of some other entity they value. In this case, it's easier to blame the referee and accuse the opposition of cheating than accept it was a game of two halves that we just came out slightly worse in. Had it ended 1-1 with us being 1-0 up at HT and you equalising I don't think anyone would complain.

Your manager came across a bit arrogant in the post match making out as if you'd blown us off the park for 90 minutes, but I suppose it's because he incorrectly thinks you were hard done by in the cup semi when that was pretty even too.

 

[UTAretro]

People always try to find external reasons to deflect blame from it being their fault - or to protect it being the fault of some other entity they value. In this case, it's easier to blame the referee and accuse the opposition of cheating than accept it was a game of two halves that we just came out slightly worse in. Had it ended 1-1 with us being 1-0 up at HT and you equalising I don't think anyone would complain.

Your manager came across a bit arrogant in the post match making out as if you'd blown us off the park for 90 minutes, but I suppose it's because he incorrectly thinks you were hard done by in the cup semi when that was pretty even too.

I haven’t seen De Zerbi’s reactions yet. If it as you described I think it is inappropriate. You know that “he’s a ****house but he’s ours” stuff? Hate it. Hated seeing Mitoma diving. Hated seeing Rashford diving. Hated seeing Dunk or Fernandes chirping at the referee.

Agree with your assessment of the game, but Antony should’ve had a straight red. It was a very poor decision objectively.

 

[golden_blunder]

Liverpool get two penalties in the last 2 games and this s... happens to us in the 99th minute? B... their is an agenda against our boys despite being c... recently and being depleted

You’ve been reading RAWK too much

 

[golden_blunder]

It’s not the refs fault Shaw has his hand up there. Remember the old mantra “play to the whistle”

 

[Houdini]

I must admit that Brighton is a very likeable team. Also the atmosphere was great. I was gutted but if someone should feck as like that it's Brighton than Leeds or other similar cnuts.

 

[JB7]

I hope you don’t mind, but I’m cross-posting this from the now largely dead match thread. Mods - apologies if this is against the rules and I will delete.


Just home from the match.

Good game tonight, once again very evenly matched. In first half your lads edged it and were set up beautifully to manage how we play. You weren’t drawn into the press, held a very solid shape and hit us fast and early over the top into the channels, which is the perfect way to play against us. You could tell this was designed by Ten Hag, and worked perfectly.

Antony/Mitoma very early chances aside, we bossed possession and territory as expected, but Rashford looked extremely dangerous on the break and you could’ve easily gone in 2/3-1 up at half time.

I thought we were fully on top in the second half, however. Your lads’ mentality was not right in the second half. Martial, in particular, had terrible body language and frankly looked gassed.

Two very evenly matched games considering the cup semi final, both matches could’ve gone either way, so a “win each” is about right for the par.

A quick note on the referee Mariner, who had a very poor game. We got away with several bookings (Gilmour in particular stands out), and Casemiro could’ve easily seen a second yellow card.

The one that stood out though was Antony’s hack. As a guest on your forum and a football lover I pride myself in being polite and fair, but quite how anyone could argue that wasn’t a straight red card is beyond me. It is violent conduct rather than serious foul play, and he was extremely lucky to only see a yellow.

But as I say, he was poor for both sides. The penalty (given by VAR) was pretty much indisputable.

All the best for the rest of the season guys.

- UTARetro

I've not watched the game back (and I agree the ref was poor for both sides) but from our end the supposed second yellow for Casemiro you're talking about didn't even look like a foul, let alone a booking although we are getting used to the fact every time any ref gives a free kick against Casemiro they book him at the moment so I can understand why you all got excited when he gave the free kick, it was nice to see you's get out of your comfy seats for the only time until about the 99th minute though to be fair. Speaking of the referee, he loves a dive doesn't he? Let Mitoma get away with not one, but two, blatant dives in the penalty area for some reason and then booked Shaw for your lad running past him and throwing himself to the ground with no contact in the build up to the goal too. While we're on the referee, your Antony comment is ridiculous. It's a strong yellow card all day long (4 game ban for Casemiro mind). And it doesn't happen if the referee gives one of the three fouls in the space of about 15 seconds before it.

As for your take on the game, absolutely fair. You played the better football throughout, but we had the better chances certainly in the first half. Second half we dropped off, De Gea kept floating the ball into the sky straight to Dunk or Webster upposed every time he got it which let you step up time and time again, we kept giving the ball away when we did get it, Rashford wasn't quite on it whereas your lads were sharp, concise, played through our initial press with ease and were dangerous. That being said, I didn't feel overly concerned, as much as you were creating half chances you never looked like taking them for me which was why it was so frustrating to give away such a stupid penalty at the end, particularly given that it came from a free kick that never was. But such is life.

I wasn't too gutted coming away from the game like you can be sometimes with late goals, it was a bigger result for you than us and I don't mean that to be condescending in any way; I'm just being realistic in terms of you've got 6 games that are all critical games for both you and your opposition which is pretty rare to have no games against teams with nothing to play for, you're obviously looking to get into Europe, and I hope you do it, so your form needs to be good even against teams like City, Arsenal Newcastle etc; whereas we're back into a really strong position with a win on Sunday. Obviously if we don't win Sunday then losing the point last night becomes a bigger issue.

One thing I will say about your team that I really like from the couple of games of yours I've seen live since De Zerbi came in, other than the style of play that you've been getting plaudits for all season, is that you've got some right nasty cnuts in that team. Most of the smaller teams that play nice football tend to be wishy washy, I'm thinking Bournemouth under Howe, Southampton for a period a few years back, Swansea way back etc, whereas your lot will stand and fight if they can't play through teams, you've got no issue making the cynical fouls, etc. You need that sometimes, it's impressive.

 

[Hughie77]

Brighton players were play acting all game. Mitoma dived twice for a penalty. Not to mention the horrible challenges they were putting in. Webster should've been sent off for that one on Bruno.

feck Brighton!

Webster got away with a lot in Semi final as well, that challenge on Bruno commentators first said he hasn't touched him then on replay backtracked it was a nasty one. The ref left them get away with a lot, 1st half they fouled to stop attacks, Rashford Martial Antony were hammerd, even a late one on Rashford he did nothing. And to play 96.26 mins when 5 mins added. Marriner had a bad game again officiating us.

 

[Tom Van Persie]

Webster got away with a lot in Semi final as well, that challenge on Bruno commentators first said he hasn't touched him then on replay backtracked it was a nasty one. The ref left them get away with a lot, 1st half they fouled to stop attacks, Rashford Martial Antony were hammerd, even a late one on Rashford he did nothing. And to play 96.26 mins when 5 mins added. Marriner had a bad game again officiating us.

Yeah they were targeting him in that game too. He was lucky to have come out of that semi final without a serious injury.

 

[Jeffthered]

Since the World Cup: Sancho has scored 3 league goals, Martial scored 2 PL goals, Antony scored only 1 (after scoring 3 in 3 back when he arrived), Garnacho 1 and Weghorst still 0.

That's 7 league goals scored from 5 attacking players.

That's nuts, right. and this cannot be what Manchester United accept, no way. No, no other big club would accept that. And that's our problem which has to be addressed in the summer. We can't go into next season like this. It's shocking.

Consider players like Callum Wilson, Isak, Watkins. They seem to be miles, simply miles ahead of our forwards (Rashford is the exception obviously..)

ETH has worked wonders with what he has. He must be so, so, so frustrated.

 

[croadyman]

Thats a joke that last night, you'd swear they won the world cup ffs, Sky kissed there ass all night . Fecking Redkapp tit, he sees one side every time.

Yeah like I said it's burnt into the minds and those geordie Saudis as well. We haven't forgotten about your cringe fest too

 

[Zed 101]

I would say that we need to run Martial out of the club but that is ambitious, maybe amble him out, he is just shite, shite and lazy....

At one point I remember screaming why is Wan Bissaka playing as centre forward??? still don't know WTF seems like he is having heads gone moments recently, went wandering against Spurs and others leaving defnce vulnerable, maybe under instruction but just pure madness.

Brighton as a good side, I think we are a better side at times, but we are lot closer to Brighton than we are to City, unlucky last minute pen, cannot moan about the loss, one of those games where any ruselt would have been fair, just glad Cas didn't get a red card

 

[Zed 101]

That's nuts, right. and this cannot be what Manchester United accept, no way. No, no other big club would accept that. And that's our problem which has to be addressed in the summer. We can't go into next season like this. It's shocking.

Consider players like Callum Wilson, Isak, Watkins. They seem to be miles, simply miles ahead of our forwards (Rashford is the exception obviously..)

ETH has worked wonders with what he has. He must be so, so, so frustrated.

In fairness Garnacho has been injured otherwise I think he would have bagged a few, Martial and Sancho are not worth wasting any more time on, but at least Antony has some metal and fight, I am not his biggest fan but he does occupy defenders and cause them a hard time more than any other player we have, need more end product, next season we see if he can do more

 

[DSG]

We’ve blown £170m on two fecking awful wingers. Both Antony and Sancho have been awful this season.

 

[johnnyteutonic]

I hope you don’t mind, but I’m cross-posting this from the now largely dead match thread. Mods - apologies if this is against the rules and I will delete.


Just home from the match.

Good game tonight, once again very evenly matched. In first half your lads edged it and were set up beautifully to manage how we play. You weren’t drawn into the press, held a very solid shape and hit us fast and early over the top into the channels, which is the perfect way to play against us. You could tell this was designed by Ten Hag, and worked perfectly.

Antony/Mitoma very early chances aside, we bossed possession and territory as expected, but Rashford looked extremely dangerous on the break and you could’ve easily gone in 2/3-1 up at half time.

I thought we were fully on top in the second half, however. Your lads’ mentality was not right in the second half. Martial, in particular, had terrible body language and frankly looked gassed.

Two very evenly matched games considering the cup semi final, both matches could’ve gone either way, so a “win each” is about right for the par.

A quick note on the referee Mariner, who had a very poor game. We got away with several bookings (Gilmour in particular stands out), and Casemiro could’ve easily seen a second yellow card.

The one that stood out though was Antony’s hack. As a guest on your forum and a football lover I pride myself in being polite and fair, but quite how anyone could argue that wasn’t a straight red card is beyond me. It is violent conduct rather than serious foul play, and he was extremely lucky to only see a yellow.

But as I say, he was poor for both sides. The penalty (given by VAR) was pretty much indisputable.

All the best for the rest of the season guys.

- UTARetro

Antony's was a red in my opinion. Your analysis played out just as I saw it too.

 

[justsomebloke]

I hope you don’t mind, but I’m cross-posting this from the now largely dead match thread. Mods - apologies if this is against the rules and I will delete.


Just home from the match.

Good game tonight, once again very evenly matched. In first half your lads edged it and were set up beautifully to manage how we play. You weren’t drawn into the press, held a very solid shape and hit us fast and early over the top into the channels, which is the perfect way to play against us. You could tell this was designed by Ten Hag, and worked perfectly.

Antony/Mitoma very early chances aside, we bossed possession and territory as expected, but Rashford looked extremely dangerous on the break and you could’ve easily gone in 2/3-1 up at half time.

I thought we were fully on top in the second half, however. Your lads’ mentality was not right in the second half. Martial, in particular, had terrible body language and frankly looked gassed.

Two very evenly matched games considering the cup semi final, both matches could’ve gone either way, so a “win each” is about right for the par.

A quick note on the referee Mariner, who had a very poor game. We got away with several bookings (Gilmour in particular stands out), and Casemiro could’ve easily seen a second yellow card.

The one that stood out though was Antony’s hack. As a guest on your forum and a football lover I pride myself in being polite and fair, but quite how anyone could argue that wasn’t a straight red card is beyond me. It is violent conduct rather than serious foul play, and he was extremely lucky to only see a yellow.

But as I say, he was poor for both sides. The penalty (given by VAR) was pretty much indisputable.

All the best for the rest of the season guys.

- UTARetro

May not quite agree with you on the Antony situation, but I will say I thought Casemiro was fortunate to avoid a second yellow. And the penalty was indeed indisputable. But otherwise that's a terrific summing-up - spot on. Including the bit about the ref.

 

[AndyMUFC]

Just not playing well for 90 minutes lately and the second halves are becoming another common theme after a decent first. Brighton weren’t even particularly great but that’s what can happen when you don’t do enough to win.

 

[KanieKaned]

After the west ham game we have a normal 5 games in 4 weeks. Very different from the two games every week thing we've had going on since August. Also ten hag has done well with us in the big moments, cup finals, semi finals, Barcelona tie, big games at Old Trafford. The big games away yeah we've been shit but not like they were ever all that important tbf, clearly as we are still hitting all our targets.

City are the best team around but I'd expect a fight at least and not to be hammered. Martinez a loss, but hopefully Varane is in.

I like your optimism and I do hope that's the case and we can give em a game and who knows upset the apple cart. Our overall form of late is utter want and far off what we saw previously in the season.