Jamie Redknapp names star Manchester United missed against Brighton

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp believes that Manchester United missed a key player during Thursday’s 1-0 defeat to Brighton.

Manchester United never got going at The Amex Stadium but played some of their best football in the first half. However, after the break, we could hardly string a pass together and quality was missing in midfield.

The game was won late in stoppage time after a Alexis Mac Allister penalty following Luke Shaw’s handball inside the box.

Redknapp believes Brighton’s night was made easier by the absence of Christian Eriksen.

“Manchester United didn’t do enough today,” Redknapp said on Sky Sports. “They’ve not done enough in so many away games against good sides.

“When you look at Brighton you can see patterns of play, you see movement and understanding. Away from home, Manchester United are struggling with that.

“That’s something Erik ten Hag certainly needs to work on. At home they’ve had some good performances. Away from home they’re struggling a bit.

“Christian Eriksen was a big miss today. When he doesn’t play, they miss that calmness and quality. Fred wasn’t as comfortable on the ball in those tight area and that’s something they really missed without Eriksen.

“They just weren’t good enough today, Brighton were the better team and fully deserved the three points.”

The Denmark international was an unused substitute on the night, with Marcel Sabitzer coming off the bench instead. It’s possible that Ten Hag is trying to manage Eriksen’s game time to have him fully fresh for the FA Cup final, but we can’t take one eye off the race for top four.

Eriksen, 31, has played in seven games over the past 23 days.

Get the most important Manchester United news, opinion, interviews and exclusive features with the Stretty Newsletter – Ad Free! Kick off your afternoon with the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.

More Stories brighton Christian Eriksen Jamie Carragher Manchester United