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Manchester United got off to an awkward start to their Premier League campaign losing 3-1 at home to Crystal Palace. The Red Devils looked off pace and never really seemed capable of getting the better of the Eagles at any point last Sunday.
As their dismal transfer window continues to remain devoid of positivity and drained of optimism, things are not looking bright for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and co. who did so well towards the end of last season to secure a top 4 finish and qualify for the Champions League.
On Saturday, they will face familiar foes Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium as they look to secure their first points of the season. However, it is not going to be a walk in the park. let's take a look at five reasons why Manchester United will struggle against Brighton.
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#5 Brighton are in good form
Brighton will be well aware of the fact that Manchester United are currently quite vulnerable. After losing to Chelsea at home in their opening fixture of the season, the Seagulls have looked a formidable unit and have won their last three games on the trot.
A 3-0 away win at St. James Park against the Toons was bookended by two EFL Cup wins against relatively weaker oppositions Portsmouth and Preston. The important thing to note is that Brighton have been able to keep three cleansheets in their last three games.
Manchester United struggled to break down Crystal Palace's low block and we're expecting to see more of the same against Brighton.
Also check out: Updated EPL Table 2020/21
#4 Too much pressure on Manchester United
While this should have been the transfer window that saw a marked transformation in the club's fortunes, it has been anything but that for Manchester United. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was expected to be backed in the transfer window but Manchester United have only signed Donny van de Beek.
That transfer happened more because of Edwin van der Sar's ties with the club than Ed Woodward's business acumen. Also, United already have a wealth of midfielders and though van de Beek's addition is welcome, it was not a position that Ole would have strengthened on priority.
As such, the fanbase is revolting and have been expressing their frustration on social media. There is a lot of focus on the club's activities and every poor result will only add to the pressure. Another defeat will only further prove the point that the fans and well-wishers have been making and as such, the pressure on United is incredible.
Also check out: Complete EPL Fixtures 2020/21
#3 Lack of quality squad depth
Stemming from the previous point, a lack of quality squad depth will continue to haunt Manchester United through the course of the season if they don't strengthen. Solskjaer's side performed at their best right after the Covid restart when their top players well rested.
However, by the time the season came to an end, United's players looked weary from being overplayed. The simple fact is that the gulf in class between Manchester United's starters and their substitutes is way too big.
Jesse Lingard or Andreas Pereira is no replacement for Bruno Fernandes. McTominay is improving but he is nowhere close to being as good an anchorman as Nemanja Matic is. Dan James has a long way to go before he can replicate Marcus Rashford's numbers.
Ighalo does not look like he has a lot of goals in him and Lindelof and Maguire have looked shaky at the back. Eric Bailly is a great backup but there's no saying how long he can stay away from the infirmary.
#2 Manchester United's poor record away vs Brighton
A trip to the Amex stadium is not something that Manchester United will be looking forward to. They have only won once in their last four trips to take on Brighton. United won 3-0 in their corresponding fixture last season but that was when the players were performing at their best.
It's been a while since Manchester United have played like that and Brighton will be more prepared this time around. Given the rest of the circumstances, United could do with fewer problems but the occasion is just as daunting as their present predicament.
#1 Fatigue and obvious difference in physicality
Save for Pogba and Matic, none of the Manchester United players are exactly physically dominant players. Even Pogba and Matic are not that great when it comes to aeriel duels. We have seen this side struggle against physically stronger opposition in the past particularly against the likes of Burnley and Brighton.
To make things worse, this bunch of Manchester United players have found it nearly impossible to catch a break. Their main man Bruno Fernandes was out playing for Portugal in the UEFA Nations League immediately after the last season ended. He also just had a baby and has had a hectic few weeks prior to the new season.
Harry Maguire was released not long ago from Greek prison. Paul Pogba only recently recovered after contracting the coronavirus. The tired legs don't help Manchester United. They didn't even have a proper pre-season to prepare for the new season either.
The Brighton players are relatively better rested and will be raring to have a go at the Red Devi
