Manchester United Stumbles Again at Old Trafford as Brighton Secures 3-1 Victory
In a match shadowed by the recent passing of Manchester United legend Denis Law, the Red Devils suffered a 3-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford. This loss marks United’s fourth defeat in their last five Premier League home games, leaving them anchored in the bottom half of the table.
Brighton’s Early Dominance
The Seagulls wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Yankuba Minteh opening the scoring in the 5th minute. Kaoru Mitoma’s blistering pace allowed him to deliver a precise cross, which Minteh converted to give Brighton an early lead.
United’s Brief Resurgence
Manchester United found a lifeline in the 23rd minute when Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty, awarded after a foul on Joshua Zirkzee. This goal momentarily leveled the score, offering hope to the home fans.
Mitoma’s Decisive Strike
The deadlock was broken on the hour mark as Minteh turned provider, delivering a chipped cross to the far post. Mitoma outmuscled Noussair Mazraoui to tap the ball in from close range, restoring Brighton’s lead.
Onana’s Costly Error
The match was effectively sealed in the 75th minute following a calamitous mistake by United goalkeeper André Onana. Attempting to collect a low cross from Yasin Ayari, Onana mishandled the ball, allowing substitute Georginio Rutter to capitalize and score into an empty net.
Tribute to Denis Law
The somber atmosphere at Old Trafford was palpable, as the club paid tribute to the late Denis Law, who passed away at the age of 84. A minute’s applause preceded the match, and players donned black armbands in his honor.
Manager’s Candid Admission
In the aftermath, United’s head coach, Rúben Amorim, did not mince words, stating, “We are the worst Manchester United team in history.” This candid admission underscores the challenges facing the club as they strive to reverse their current trajectory.
Looking Ahead
This victory propels Brighton closer to European qualification spots, while Manchester United must regroup ahead of their upcoming Europa League fixture against Rangers. The Red Devils are now seven points behind 10th-placed Fulham and sit 10 points above the relegation zone, highlighting the urgency for a turnaround.
