Manchester United were defeated tragically by Brentford in the second Premier League weekend of the seasons.
Coupled with an opening weekend defeat to Brighton, the current trajectory of the club looks bleak.
#1 If David de Gea wasn’t a major issue before, he certainly is now
There were many who said that other areas need addressing before coming to De Gea, that his shot-stopping outweighs any insecurities that he should be in the starting 11, this game could be his undoing however.
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In a career worst performance De Gea first fumbled a soft effort on goal threw his hands before his woeful ball-playing ability was on show for the second as he tamely passed to Eriksen, leading Brentford to turn the ball over and score.
The worst part may be that as Ten Hag and Manchester United adjust to one another, the Dutchman may have no choice but to stick with haphazard Spaniard with the best alternative now playing in goal for Nottingham Forest.
The score line is dreadful but it is so hard to actually evaluate the performance on the whole when the keeper gifted two goals within 30 minutes, then the side concede another as they chase the game.
#2 Premier League Teams have quickly figured Manchester United out
If the side are a team that cannot play out from the back, with players who aren’t adapted to the way a manager has played yet, they are going to be in serious trouble and that’s exactly what happened.
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Brighton last week and Brentford this week, pushed up high and pressed Manchester United to great effect.
It’s surprising to see United had 67% possession when Brentford’s attacks felt incredibly menacing, whether it was targeted set-pieces or counter-pressing Premier League teams are getting smarter in a league astoundingly competitive, and this may not be the first time United’s flaws are exposed in the season.
#3 In Both Premier League games United have been shell shocked within the opening half an hour
Manchester United have barely managed to get into any rhythm at all in two games of 90 minutes, in both situations we have had to watch them chase games.
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United looked like deers in headlights today, chaotically trying to get a hold of the game. All the tactical patterns, adjustments and promise we saw in pre-season have not even had a chance to take place.
In this league, mistakes are pounced on and exploited gleefully, when this has occurred United have not been able to play football in a calm manner.
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#4 Liverpool could make it 3 Defeats in a row to mount the pressure
No sooner has a new beginning just felt as if the nightmare of last season has continued. There is still drama off the pitch, there is uproar everywhere you turn, results on the pitch are embarrassing.
Welcome to Manchester United, Erik ten Hag. Liverpool of all people will show no mercy, after being mauled at Brentford a visit from Liverpool seems absolutely daunting, don’t look now but this could get worse.
#5 United’s Transfer Market Activity is now on red alert
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The behavior from United executives and some of the leaks post the Brighton defeat reeked of desperation as the club vouched for easy targets to help the manager.
This defeat would’ve sent shivers down the spines of Richard Arnold and John Murtough who will now somehow face even more pressure to get Ten Hag the players he wants before the looming deadline in 2 and a half weeks.
his is basically the same team that represented Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with two first team additions, setting a new manager up in such a manner feels alot like throwing Ten Hag into the deep end without any armbands.
The soap opera and circus that is Manchester United will rumble on as the club scrambles around for signings.
Topics: Manchester United, Brentford, David De Gea, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League