Manchester United’s countless elementary defensive errors in their first two Premier League games of the season has exposed their biggest weakness.
United fans acknowledged how fortunate the Reds were to come away with the three points at Brighton on Saturday lunchtime after the home side hit the post on five separate occasions.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reluctance to drop Victor Lindelof is particularly frustrating given his pairing with Harry Maguire clearly lacks balance and authority.
Lindelof was abysmal in United’s opening day Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace and again looked shaky against a Brighton side who were keen to pounce on the Swede’s hesitation.
Rio Ferdinand brilliantly broke down United’s mistakes against Palace in the build-up to the Brighton game, where many familiar problems reared their head.
The lack of awareness and physicality in the challenge from Lindelof is particularly concerning, while Maguire also needs to take responsibility for not being switched on in key moments.
Another tactical breakdown from the Brighton game would give us all a sense of deja vu.
Fans have understandably been imploring the club to sign Jadon Sancho throughout this summer transfer window and United have seemingly exhausted all avenues in their pursuit of their Borussia Dortmund forward.
But until Solskjaer can find an adequate centre-back pairing, United will simply not be able to progress.
Listen to Ferdinand’s analysis of United’s defensive mess in the Crystal Palace defeat below, via BT Sport:
"Terrible to see, it disappoints."
"This is an area I've been talking about for many months. It has not been addressed."@rioferdy5 breaks down Man Utd's recent struggles at the centre-back position.
We think he knows a thing or two, to be fair… pic.twitter.com/KLRZ5o4DkT
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 26, 2020
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Why on earth is Lindelof still in the squad let alone the team. That Doris wouldn’t make a Sunday pub team. Does Solskjaer not watch the game? Or is he being patriotic by keeping faith with a fellow Scandinavian? Whatever the reason Doris is not a CB’s behind!