Manchester United strategy is actually not bad, but the players really can't implement it optimally. Looks messy in terms of anticipating the ball and so on. Even breaking through the Brighton defense is still very difficult. Brighton front line counter-attacked quickly and the Man United defenders weren't always ready for that. In fact, I saw a lot of emotion going on, looking at Maguire like there was no improvement at all and not learning from last season.
Again their defense system is easily broken by opponent. Brighton scores two goals in this match from Manchester United defense's mistakes. They are not a strong opponent but still manage to exploit mistakes from Manchester United and score two goals.
With this defense system and available players for it, Manchester United will have a difficult season. Ten Hag can not change much if he only have not good defenders. Ronaldo is in as a replacement and there is only one goal difference now. I don't expect two more goals for Manchester United and 3 points for them. It is more realistic to find one more goal and get one point from Brighton.
United continued where they stopped last season. Business as usual
This match shows that they did not improve too much after the summer. Some good friendly matches give their fans more hope but this match will bring reality back. Serious issues with their defense are still there. Maguire is still slowly and he is not covered by other mates. In general, Manchester United defense is weak and easily to be exploited.