Jadon Sancho: Man Utd 'only potential buyer' says expert
They may have found a way to win, but it doesn't take a cynic to realise that this Manchester United team is simply not good enough to compete for the Premier League title. If Brighton could finish, they would have lost by three of four at the Amex Stadium.
The Seagulls had a clear game plan and their tactical set up remains full of promise despite two defeats from their opening three matches this season.
There's no doubt the character will delight Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but United look a team short of ideas heavily reliant on the creative spark of Bruno Fernandes and pace of Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.
Yet with just over a week to go in the transfer window, there is no urgency from Ed Woodward to get things done.
United need three signings at the very minimum to give themselves the best chance of a top-four finish.
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Brighton pressed in packs and refused to let United get a grip on the game from the very outset, despite the ruthless streak the visitors showed in front of goal.
United are supposedly refusing to give up on top target Jadon Sancho as they prepare to launch a £90million bid below Borussia Dortmund's £108m valuation next week.
It doesn't take a footballing genius to work out that United are better off spending that money elsewhere.
They're still in need of a top class holding midfield player as well as a left-sided centre-back.
Man Utd won the game thanks to Bruno Fernandes' penalty in 90 10 (Image: GETTY)
Of course another winger would be welcome but Luke Shaw is also in need of some serious competition at left-back.
United have backed themselves into a corner in regards to their summer transfer business. Any club dealing with the United board in the next week or so will try and twist their arm.
Woodward has shown a willingness to overspend on Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka and he's now trying to undo that with the Sancho saga.
Selling clubs will continue to play hardball from here on in and with United in need of several new faces, there's simply no guarantee they will land any of their targets without paying over the odds once again.