Manchester United flop to leave after disappointing debut season under Ten Hag

Manchester United dropped further points in the hunt for a top-four place with a 1-0 defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion on Thursday night.

Luke Shaw’s handball in stoppage time decided the outcome of the game, as Alexis Mac Allister converted the penalty to get revenge for the FA Cup semi-final defeat at Wembley. However, before referee Andre Marriner pointed to the spot, United had plenty of opportunities to win all three points.

Bruno Fernandes and Shaw created several good chances, but Antony, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial all failed to put the ball into the back of the net. In particular, Martial led the frontline in an underwhelming manner, showing no urgency to attack the box to disrupt Brighton’s backline.

Manchester United lack a clinical finisher

But still, Erik ten Hag waited until the 84th minute of the outing to hook Martial off. And considering the options the Dutch coach had on the bench, it would be harsh to point fingers at him. Wout Weghorst came on for the Frenchman and made little difference going forward.

Apart from his exceptional work ethic and a couple of cameos as a Number 10, the Netherlands international has not managed to bring anything positive to the table since his loan arrival from Burnley in January.

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He has scored just two goals in 26 appearances in his debut United season under Ten Hag. In the Premier League this campaign, Weghorst has just one assist to his name so far.

As per the Manchester Evening News, United are not planning to sign the player on a permanent basis. He will leave the club at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils are working to find a new striker for their manager, who’s understood to be obsessed with Tottenham Hotspur talisman Harry Kane.