3 key takeaways from Manchester United's defeat against Brighton

#2 Anthony Martial's continues to struggle

Anthony Martial produced another lacklustre display against the Brighton

After the defeat against Brighton and Hove Albion, Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has reportedly "made a new plea" to Ed Woodward to sell Anthony Martial this summer.

The Manchester United forward cut a frustrated figure as Jose Mourinho's side slumped to an uninspiring defeat at Brighton over the weekend. Anthony Martial was strongly linked with a move away from Old Trafford earlier in the summer transfer window after leaving United’s pre-season tour of America early. Martial was even fined for his failure to report after the birth of his child.

The French international was an unused substitute in Manchester United’s opening game against Leicester City but was restored in starting eleven against Brighton on Sunday because of Alexis Sanchez’s absence because of an injury. However, he failed to capitalize on this opportunity and produced another lacklustre display as he was eventually substituted with half an hour remaining.

The signing of Alexis Sanchez in the January transfer window had a negative impact on Martial's progression and his agent has said the France international wanted to leave. Jose Mourinho on numerous occasion has lamented his lack of consistency. He never looked convinced when speaking about the Frenchman. He hasn't been able to always accommodate the French forward in his starting line-up with Alexis Sanchez and Marcus Rashford also options on the left wing. Jose Mourinho needs to play Anthony Martial every week to get the best out of him which seems quite unlikely given his lack of trust in him.