Dramatic victory highlights United case for defence
BRIGHTON 2 MAN UTD 3
A CRAZY game should serve as a warning to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Manchester United were somehow credited with the winning goal after the full- time whistle had gone.
They never even used to do that back in the days of Fergie Time.
But while it was an unforgettable match, Solskjaer must know his defence is in urgent need of improvement.
Brighton set a Premier League record by hitting the woodwork five times.
The Seagulls clearly targeted right- back Aaron Wan- Bissaka, who struggled against man- of- the- match Solly March, while the home side were given too much space down Luke Shaw’s flank.
But even more noticeable was the shaky performance by Victor Lindelof.
He was slated when United lost 3- 2 at Brighton two years ago and he still does not look like a defender capable of winning a title.
United have conceded five goals in their opening two league games this season and, if they want to kick on, they must sign another dominant centre- half.
They have got so much potential going forward. Marcus Rashford’s goal was sensational and Bruno Fernandes was a central figure again.
Fernandes did give away a penalty for a clumsy trip on Tariq Lamptey – converted by Neal Maupay.
But United were level inside three minutes when Fernandes’ free- kick ended with Lewis Dunk deflecting the ball into his own net.
United were ahead after 55 minutes when Fernandes’ brilliant ball released Rashford, who outpaced Brighton’s defence, put Ben White on his backside and slammed the ball into the net for the 10,000th goal in United’s history.
March scored a 95th- minute leveller, but Harry Maguire’s header deflected off Maupay’s outstretched arm Fernandes slammed home the resulting penalty in the 100th minute.
It was daylight robbery.