Betscience

Manchester United 1-3 Brighton: Issues Resurface as Poor Leadership Remains the Core Problem

Last night’s 1-3 defeat to Brighton has once again highlighted Manchester United’s ongoing issues. At this point, it’s hard to reiterate the problems without sounding like a broken record: the players are not good enough, they struggle to adapt to coach Amorim’s tactics, and the inability to implement those tactics has left the team toothless in attack.

The Root Cause: Poor Leadership Decisions

It’s essential to recognize that United’s current struggles are not Amorim’s fault but the result of long-standing mismanagement by the club’s leadership. When Erik ten Hag was sacked, the United hierarchy was desperate to bring in Amorim, citing his tactical expertise. However, Amorim made it clear that he needed time to recruit players suited to his system and to allow the squad to fully understand his tactics.

The leadership refused his request, demanding that he take the role immediately or they would look elsewhere. Yet, they failed to deliver on their promises to support him. This season, the club has provided no funds to bring in new players. The current squad is ill-suited to Amorim’s tactical needs, and the leadership’s inability to offload surplus players has only worsened the situation. Many of these players couldn’t fetch reasonable transfer fees or even be loaned out without United covering part of their wages.

As a result, United is stuck relying on a mismatched squad, which has predictably fallen short of expectations.

Amorim’s Predicament: A Michelin Chef with Expired Ingredients

Criticizing Amorim for United’s poor performances is unfair. The issue lies not in his abilities but in the environment he’s been placed in. Comparing him to a Michelin-starred chef is apt: if a top chef is brought into your home but only allowed to cook with expired ingredients and forbidden to buy fresh ones, the final dish will naturally disappoint. United’s current squad is akin to these “expired ingredients.” No matter how brilliant Amorim’s tactics might be, success is nearly impossible under these conditions.

Brighton Match: Poor Performances and Costly Mistakes

In the match against Brighton, the team showed some fight after conceding the second goal. However, Onana’s error leading to the third goal completely deflated their morale. The final 20 minutes of the match were a display of utter lethargy.

It’s hard not to think back to a year and a half ago when David De Gea was one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. Instead of renewing his contract, United let their veteran keeper leave for free and then spent £50 million to bring in Onana. This decision epitomizes the club’s pattern of compounding one mistake with another.

United’s Future: A Lost Direction and Relegation Fears

I was once certain that Manchester United was not a team that would ever battle relegation. However, their recent performances have started to shake that confidence. The team is actively proving me wrong.

To climb out of this crisis, United’s leadership must reflect and enact fundamental changes immediately. Without this, neither Amorim nor any other top-tier coach can bring the club back on track.

The 244th clash between Liverpool and Manchester United ended in a draw, leaving both sides with mixed emotions. This high-stakes match revealed weaknesses but also offered valuable insights for both teams.

Manchester United: Gains and Concerns

For United, escaping Anfield with a point was a significant breakthrough, especially after a string of disappointing results. Many fans had feared a crushing defeat on hostile ground, but the match proved that form and rankings don’t always dictate the outcome of a rivalry. Attitude and on-the-spot performance were key, and this game showcased one of manager Amorim’s best tactical displays since taking charge.

Boost in Confidence

United had been winless in their last 10 clashes against the other “Big Six” clubs. However, back-to-back strong results—beating Manchester City in the derby and now holding top-of-the-table Liverpool to a draw—have reignited belief among players and fans alike. The team’s fighting spirit has become a beacon of hope.

A More Stable Lineup

United’s starting XI is finally taking shape, requiring only minor tweaks. While the squad initially struggled to adapt to Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, key players like Ugarte and Mainoo have stepped up to solidify the midfield, enhancing both defensive strength and coverage.

That said, some vulnerabilities remain. For example, right center-back Matthijs de Ligt was directly involved in both goals conceded, raising questions about his ability to handle aerial threats. Moving him to left center-back against physically strong opponents could be a solution.

Additionally, Bruno Fernandes’ positional flexibility has become a tactical asset. In this match, he shifted from left-wing to central areas to exploit Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defensive lapses—a move that paid off. If United can strengthen their left-wing-back or forward options during the winter transfer window (as rumored with Victor Osimhen), the team will be even more formidable.

Concern: Sustainability of High-Energy Play

United’s intense playing style is a double-edged sword. With the season entering a grueling phase of matches across three competitions, stamina and squad depth will be severely tested. Failing to maintain consistent quality could lead to instability.

Liverpool: Problems to Address and Positives to Build On

Liverpool had a strong start to the season, but this match exposed two critical issues:

Alexander-Arnold’s Struggles

Trent Alexander-Arnold had a disastrous game, with United repeatedly targeting his flank to create opportunities. In contrast, substitute Conor Bradley delivered a solid performance on both ends of the pitch, even overshadowing Alexander-Arnold. Manager Slot might need to rethink his starting lineup if these inconsistencies continue.

Inconsistent Tempo and Fitness Management

Liverpool’s performance fluctuated significantly between the first and second halves. Their “slow start, strong finish” strategy hasn’t always worked, and opponents are starting to exploit this pattern. Furthermore, with Darwin Núñez yet to find his form, the team lacks a reliable threat against compact defenses or aerial duels. Tactical adjustments are necessary to address these gaps.

Reasons for Optimism

Despite the challenges, Liverpool still showed resilience. They have come from behind to earn points seven times this season, losing just once in those games and clawing back a total of 13 points.

Cody Gakpo’s consistent contributions have added a new dimension to the attack, while the return of Ibrahima Konaté and Conor Bradley has reduced the team’s injury concerns. If Liverpool can secure a veteran defensive midfielder during the winter window (with Martín Zubimendi being a rumored target), they’ll further enhance their ability to compete on multiple fronts.

Conclusion

This fiercely contested Red Derby, while ending in a draw, offered plenty of takeaways for both sides.

• For Manchester United: They’ve gained confidence and a more stable lineup but must address the sustainability of their high-energy tactics.
• For Liverpool: Defensive lapses and tactical adjustments need urgent attention, but the team’s depth and resilience remain strong points.

As the season progresses, this match could serve as a pivotal moment for both teams, shaping their campaigns in the months to come.

Lately, a lot of people have been saying Manchester United might get relegated this season, and honestly, that’s one of the dumbest takes I’ve ever heard. Let me break it down for you.

First off, we have to admit United probably has the worst management in the Premier League. Actually, if you look across Europe’s top five leagues, maybe only Barcelona’s management is worse than theirs.

You might wonder, is United’s management team new or something? How else could they mess things up this badly? Let me give you a few examples of their recent blunders:

Mistake #1:
United has no real transfer strategy. When they look at signing a player, they don’t even think about whether they fit the team. Last summer, they wanted to sack Ten Hag but couldn’t find a suitable replacement, so they gave him a new contract. Fast forward a few months, and they sacked him anyway, paying him £15 million in severance. Brilliant move, right?

Mistake #2:
Over a year ago, they paid Newcastle a few million pounds to poach their sporting director. A few months later? That guy was gone too.

Mistake #3:
They paid Sporting Lisbon £12 million to bring in Amorim as manager. Thing is, Amorim wanted to wait until next summer to start, but United insisted he come in right away. Now, Amorim’s tactics are totally different from Ten Hag’s, and United’s squad isn’t built for his style. To make matters worse, United told him he’d have to wait until next summer to get new players. Make it make sense.

So yeah, the management has made some shocking decisions, but here’s why United won’t get relegated.

Reason #1:
Look at the league table. United is 14th right now, seven points clear of 18th-placed Ipswich. Plus, there’s a huge quality gap between the Premier League and the Championship. Usually, the three teams that come up are the favorites to go straight back down. This season, Ipswich, Leicester, and Southampton are most likely to drop.

Reason #2:
If you compare United’s squad to those teams, it’s not even close. Which of their starting XI wouldn’t walk into Ipswich, Leicester, or Southampton’s lineup? Exactly.

I think United’s players will slowly adapt to Amorim’s tactics. Sure, it won’t be pretty, but they’ll improve as the season goes on. Will they be title contenders? Not a chance. But relegation? Absolutely not. Let’s wait and see what changes next season brings.

Who could’ve predicted it? Manchester City stumbled at home with a draw against Everton, and Manchester United lost 2-0 away to Wolves. Fans are left asking: What color is the sky over Manchester now? My answer? It’s not blue or red anymore—it’s about to cave in altogether!

Manchester City: A Crisis of Confidence and Stubborn Tactics

City started the season strong with a nine-game unbeaten streak, but ever since their record-breaking 32-game undefeated run (across seasons) ended against Bournemouth, they’ve fallen apart. In their last nine league games, they’ve managed just one win and five points. Their latest disappointment—a draw against Everton—boils down to two main issues:

1. The team’s confidence is shot.
2. Guardiola’s stubborn tactical approach.

City did try to up the tempo at the start of both halves, creating some danger through their wing play, but their overall rhythm hasn’t returned. The string of poor results across all competitions has dragged down morale, and it shows on the pitch. Defensively, Akanji has lost his composure, with his poor clearance leading to Everton’s goal. Meanwhile, Rico Lewis, despite his promise in attack, struggles with positioning in defense—no better than Walker, who continues to be targeted by opponents.

Up front, Haaland’s slump continued as he missed a penalty—his second of the season. Fans are starting to ask: Why isn’t his height being used more effectively? This game highlighted some of his weaknesses in heading and attacking efficiency. Guardiola’s insistence on ground-based passing and intricate build-up play, though slightly faster-paced, remains too rigid. Everton’s left-back Mykolenko was clearly the weak link, but aside from earning a penalty through Savinho early in the second half, City failed to exploit this vulnerability.

Guardiola’s “my way or the highway” mentality—refusing to adapt his tactics to suit opponents—is one of the key reasons City didn’t come away with a win.

Looking Ahead

City’s decline is clear, and even finishing in the top four looks like an uphill battle. Without reinforcements in the January transfer window, a second-half resurgence seems unlikely.

Manchester United: Stuck in a Rut, Amorim’s Two Big Problems

United’s struggles are even worse. They’ve now lost four of their last five games, including back-to-back defeats: 3-0 at home to Bournemouth and 2-0 away to Wolves. They haven’t scored a single goal in those two matches. Manager Rúben Amorim faces two pressing issues:

1. Set-piece defending is a disaster.
2. The 3-4-3/3-4-2-1 system doesn’t fit the squad.

Set-Piece Woes

United conceded yet another goal from a corner against Wolves, bringing their tally to six set-piece goals allowed in the last five league games. This has always been a weak spot for United, but under Amorim, the problem has only gotten worse.

A Misfit Formation

Amorim’s 3-4-3 system worked wonders at Sporting CP, but it’s been far less effective at United. Rashford has now missed four straight games due to disciplinary reasons, and Bruno Fernandes was sent off with a red card in this latest match. The 3-4-3 demands midfielders with exceptional defensive discipline and work rate, but United’s current squad is nowhere near the level of, say, Chelsea’s prime pairing of Matic and Kanté or Jorginho and Kanté.

To make matters worse, Bruno’s red card was his third of the season, further disrupting United’s rhythm.

What’s Next?

United’s next three games are brutal: a home match against Newcastle, an away trip to Liverpool, and an FA Cup tie at Arsenal. Amorim will likely stick with the 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation, rotating players as he tries to find the right balance. However, this could mean more inconsistent performances and results.

A Final Question for Fans

If you had to choose, would you rather be Amorim or Guardiola right now?

• Would you take charge of a struggling City side with glimmers of hope?
• Or would you tackle United, a team bogged down by problems but desperate for a breakthrough?

Pick your poison!

This Sunday, the Manchester Derby takes center stage. Recently, both Manchester City and Manchester United have been far from their best, sharing similar struggles. City currently sit in fourth place, while United are way down in 13th.

Manchester City: Injury Crisis and Form Woes

City have managed just one win in their last six league games. Adding to their problems, Rodri is unlikely to feature, and their defensive line is riddled with injuries. Versatile youngster Rico Lewis is suspended, and veteran captain Kyle Walker, who has been targeted by opposition attackers in recent matches, may still need to start. With Stones, Akanji, and Aké all dealing with injuries, Guardiola may be forced to field 19-year-old center-back Luke Mbete and 21-year-old left-back Josh Wilson-Esbrand, who has yet to make a first-team appearance this season.

In midfield, City lack physicality with their main duo of Gündoğan and Bernardo Silva. Guardiola might consider dropping Matheus Nunes back into midfield. Nunes, signed for over £50 million from Wolves, has shown glimpses of creativity as a left winger but lacks the one-on-one threat needed for that role. His past experience as a midfielder at Sporting CP, particularly alongside Ugarte, suggests he could add defensive steel and composure under pressure.

Bernardo Silva remains City’s Swiss Army knife, but he’s arguably more dangerous on the right wing, especially given summer signing Savinho’s underwhelming performances. The one bright spot for City is the return of Kevin De Bruyne, whose creativity and leadership could be pivotal.

A likely starting XI would see Haaland leading the line, with De Bruyne playing just behind him. On the left wing, if Grealish or Doku are fit enough—even if not at 100%—one of them could start. Bernardo Silva should take the right flank, while Gündoğan and Nunes pair up in midfield. In defense, Gvardiol could start as left-back if fit, with Rúben Dias and potentially Akanji as the center-back duo. Walker remains the best option at right-back. As for the goalkeeper, Guardiola could stick with Ortega, who has started the last three games, or bring back Ederson.

Manchester United: More Options but Still a Work in Progress

United, unlike City, have fewer injuries and more squad options. However, new manager Rúben Amorim is still assessing his players and must settle on a consistent starting XI soon.

The right flank has been a bright spot for United. Against a weakened City defense, deploying Mazraoui as a right-sided center-back and Diallo as a right wing-back could provide a solid balance of attack and defense. Diallo has been impressive recently, with four assists in three consecutive league matches, though his absence against Arsenal weakened United’s right-sided attack.

On the right wing, Rashford, despite underwhelming performances off the bench lately, has a proven track record against City. He has scored six goals and provided one assist in 22 matches against them, making him a reliable option in big games.

In midfield, Amorim has experimented with various pairings, but against City, Casemiro and Ugarte must start. With Rodri unavailable, United have a golden opportunity to take control of the midfield battle.

Captain Bruno Fernandes remains United’s creative linchpin, contributing three goals and three assists in his last six matches. Up front, the choice between Højlund and Zirkzee depends on the game plan. Højlund offers pace and power for a more direct approach, while Zirkzee’s technical skills and hold-up play suit a possession-based strategy.

Elsewhere, Lisandro Martínez should retain his place at the back, given City’s limited aerial threat. A preferred starting XI could see Onana in goal, a back three of Martínez, De Ligt, and Mazraoui, with Dalot and Diallo as wing-backs. Ugarte and Casemiro would anchor the midfield, while Bruno, Rashford, and Højlund lead the attack.

Match Outlook

Last season, City dominated the league meetings, completing a home-and-away double over United, although United hit back with a victory in the FA Cup final. City then avenged that loss by beating United in the Community Shield on penalties. In their last three home league games against United, City have been dominant, securing emphatic wins.

However, City’s defensive fragility this season makes this derby more unpredictable. With both teams struggling for consistency, a draw feels like the most likely outcome.

Prediction: A closely fought 1-1 or 2-2 draw.