Manchester University captain Bruno Fernandes candidly admitted his unfamiliarity with Odegard’s approach in managing games like the recent match against Brighton. During the match, Fernandes was assigned to play as a makeshift centre-back, showcasing a tactical shift by Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United. This decision stood out as Plan Z, reflecting the dire situation for the team at Old Trafford. Unfortunately, the Red Devils suffered a 3-1 defeat against Brighton, indicating the Seagulls’ stronger potential to vie for a top-four position.
While Ten Hag had not faced significant pressure since becoming United’s manager, this defeat marked the third of the season and intensified the scrutiny on his managerial decisions. The substitution of Rasmus Hojlund for Anthony Martial drew boos from the crowd, and Ten Hag’s subsequent choices further baffled observers. In a crucial triple substitution, Ten Hag opted to bring on attacking players while leaving the team requiring a central defender. Bruno Fernandes was then instructed to play in this unfamiliar role, occupying the central defensive position alongside Victor Lindelof.
This tactical gamble demonstrated Ten Hag’s desperation to salvage at least a point from the match, even though Brighton’s defense remained steadfast. Despite Manchester United’s promising start in the game, they fell behind when Danny Welbeck, a former United player, capitalized on a swift counter-attack to score for Brighton. The Red Devils appeared to level the score through Hojlund, but VAR ruled the ball had gone out of play before Marcus Rashford’s cross.
Brighton capitalized on their momentum, with Pascal Gross extending their lead with an impressive strike. Second-half substitute Joao Pedro sealed the game for Brighton with a well-placed shot. United managed to pull one back through Hannibal Mejbri, offering a glimmer of hope, but they were unable to capitalize on this to create further chances.
Overall, the match highlighted the pressing challenges facing Manchester United and their need to regroup and address their defensive vulnerabilities. Bruno Fernandes’s willingness to adapt to an unfamiliar role underscored his dedication to the team, but it also showcased the need for a more cohesive and effective defensive strategy moving forward.
