United View: Back To Reality

Manchester United got off to the worst possible start to life under Ten Hag, losing 2-1 to Brighton. Its only one game into the new season and the amount to discuss is ludicrous.

Optimism was high around Old Trafford prior to kick off, with the sun beaming and fans excited on the back of a good pre-season. However, come half time there was a chorus of boos as United found themselves two goals down. The opening five minutes were encouraging, with a golden chance squandered by Bruno Fernandes. However, Brighton grew into the game and caused all sorts of problems for Ten Hag, with Pascal Groß grabbing both goals.

It’s been obvious for quite some time that a midfield of Fred and McTominay can’t be trusted at United, and Sunday was more evidence to support that claim. Whether it was being sloppy in possession or not making themselves available for the ball, the duo did little to impress. McTominay was lucky to remain on the pitch after a reckless challenge only resulted in a yellow card.

It wasn’t until the second half when Christian Eriksen dropped deeper that United gained more of grip on the game. The ever talked about Cristiano Ronaldo was brought on, quickly making an impact by breaking away and squaring the ball to Rashford who should have scored. 

United did pull one back after forcing home a goal from a corner but failed to grab an equaliser. At full time more boos could be heard from the crowd after a demoralising defeat, hopefully it hit home to the Glazer family who were in attendance.

I have full faith in Ten Hag and believe he will be able to turn United’s fortunes around but the result on Sunday was an eye opener for just how big of a task he has undertaken. While the transfers made look promising, with Eriksen and Martinez playing well, it is frustrating that we have gone into the new season with much work still needed to be done.

Eight players left in the summer and as of right now three have been brought in. Martial is injured and Ronaldo wants a move away, yet no striker has arrived at Old Trafford. Meanwhile the midfield is lacking in quality and depth, even though there is a case for the young lads to make an appearance, we can’t solely rely on our youth to carry us forward.

So, who has emerged as potential targets in the wake of the Brighton defeat? Marko Arnautovic and Adrien Rabiot. I know it may seem like another panic buy but by all accounts, this has been on the cards before the opening day disappointment. With Arnautovic seen as someone who can make an impact off the bench, whereas French international Rabiot is viewed by officials as someone who has played at the highest level and wouldn’t be fazed at Manchester United.

In my opinion this is just strange. For one Arnautovic is 33 years old and has recently returned from China. Having scored 14 goals last season with Bologna and worked with Ten Hag in his time at FC Twente part of me can understand it, but the more rational side of me is in complete bewilderment. However recent reports suggest United’s interest in the Austrian could be over following negative fan reaction.

Then there’s Rabiot, another player with polarising opinions with a less than professional track record. Apparently, this isn’t seen as a replacement to Frenkie De Jong, and in truth I haven’t seen enough of the Juventus midfielder to warrant any real judgement. It just seems like the sort of transfers that United were trying to veer away from in this new era.

There’s still time to get some more deals done before the window closes in September. I hope De Jong will be one of them as he has the talent to transform a humdrum midfield. The board need to pull through and give Ten Hag the tools needed to fulfil his role to the best of his abilities.

Manchester United next take on Brentford away from home on Saturday evening.