I have just several posts left today, but i feel i have to write something positive after todays game. I came from holiday today without knowing the result and found out that we lost. Came here so see the comments about the performance and get the impression that we were really bad and didnt want to watch it. At the end i was doing my work earlier so went to watch the match before sleep and except the bad mistakes i enjoyed the match. For those saying we are not improving, i would say its clear to see our passing is much much better than end of the last season. Finally some nice triangles and a will to build from the keeper. You can see it from the lineup what manager wanted to do.
I would brand Brighton as a Stoke category team with big players and aggressive style o play with added fast passing passages of play when counter attacking. So big surprise from Mourinho to start without Fellaini/McTominay. Clearly wanted to pass around and through the press. i cant remember when we tried to pass around the box to beat the press. Today, it was countless of times. Enjoyed that.
After the mistakes, De Gea was less confident and always sent the players higher, but the start was positive. Maybe this was the "confidence" thing for manager. For me, the change of style was visible and was pleased for that. Just hope it will be the same with change of players (in doubt with Chris in).
To the match, i was very frustrated with referee. Didn't give single decision. Not only 50/50. Counted several wrong throwins to Brighton. Pogba most creative player gave away most fouls and Murray didnt send off for countless bad fouls. Not to say that penalty with VAR. Player went for penalty not for goal. It was typical match cant touch him/he cant break your legs. If i was playing in this match, i would be off before end, so frustrating.
To the mistakes. For the first goal, 3/4 mistakes in succession with Mata/Fred, Bailly and Lindelof at the end are very rare, i would say just bad luck. I was mad at second goal, do the basics and clear the ball, no communication, ball watching players this was the worst thing. Third goal, De Gea took responsibility and made mistake.
To the players. No leaders. Missing after 2-0 down, Pogba nonexistent in first half as a player and the most as a captain. Can accept his comments after the match, he should keep the team together fighting. Second half, took task from Andreas and wasn't able to do the basics, misplaced passes all over the pitch, biggest disappointment this match. Back to positive things, very pleased for Fred, he could be the answer to Pogbas lack of workrate and discipline, when he gets used to PL. Young/Lingard looked rusty but will be better with more games/training. Hoping the same for Lukaku/Pogba. I know, bad result, but not all dark and gloom. Support your team and manager.