Brighton 2-3 Manchester United: 5 Talking Points as Red Devils snatch dramatic late win | Premier League 2020-21

#3 Tariq Lamptey could be England’s next new star at right-back

Tariq Lamptey's performances were one of several positives Brighton could take from their disappointing defeat against Manchester United.

Given how young England’s (arguably) first-choice right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is, it might seem strange to already be talking about the next bright young thing in that position. However, despite England’s embarrassment of riches at right-back, Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey is fast emerging as another bright prospect.

The former Chelsea youngster, who made his debut for England’s U-21 side recently, has started the new domestic season in fine fashion. Having displayed great pace, skill and trickery in winning a penalty last weekend against Newcastle, Lamptey repeated the same in the first half against Manchester United.

He continued posing a serious threat to Manchester United’s nervous defence all match while fulfilling his defensive responsibilities as well. All signs point to a breakthrough campaign if his performances continue to be of this standard this season.

#4 Manchester United’s defence led a charmed life

Leandro Trossard hit both posts and the bar in a frustrating outing against Manchester United.

Having one, or maybe two, efforts come back off the woodwork are part and parcel of the game, but Brighton would consider themselves incredibly unlucky as they were denied by the frame of the Manchester United goal on no less than five occasions.

The Seagulls hit both posts and the crossbar in the first half and followed that up with two more attempts against the woodwork in the second. Leandro Trossard was especially unfortunate in this regard as he was denied a hat-trick by the Manchester United woodwork. Solly March and Adam Webster also came agonisingly close to scoring only to see their efforts come back off the post.

Brighton sent down a barrage of shots towards the Manchester United goal throughout the game, some going quite close, while others were kept out by David de Gea who came away from this match with several positives.

#5 Manchester United’s defensive-midfield conundrum

Nemanja Matic's continued importance in Manchester United's playing-XI is a source of worry for some.

Despite trying out Scott McTominay in his side’s defeat to Crystal Palace, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reverted to the tried and tested Nemanja Matic in the heart of midfield for the game at Brighton.

While Matic adds some much-needed solidity to the side besides providing defensive cover, questions remain about Manchester United’s inability to stay secure at the back when the Serb is not on the pitch.

McTominay and Fred have failed to impress when deployed in the defensive midfield spot while new signing Donny van de Beek is accustomed to a more advanced midfield role. Given how heavily Manchester United depend on their front-three and one attacking midfielder going forward, the role of the defensive midfielder becomes even more important for the Red Devils.

While one would have expected United to have Matic’s eventual replacement already at the club, it could be fair to expect a new arrival in that position sooner rather than later.