Manchester United’s promising start to the Premier League season was marred by a late 2-1 defeat to Brighton. The loss, punctuated by a heart-breaking 95th-minute header from João Pedro, has intensified scrutiny on under-fire United boss Erik ten Hag, particularly after a summer of significant investment in defensive reinforcements.
The match began with Brighton taking the lead through a well-executed goal from Danny Welbeck. The former Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur striker netted his 100th career goal in the 32nd minute, capitalizing on a dangerous cross from Kaoru Mitoma. Despite a valiant effort from United to equalize, their first-half push fell short as Marcus Rashford’s attempt was controversially ruled offside.
Brighton dominated the first half and continued to pressure United after the break. James Milner came close to doubling Brighton’s lead when his shot was cleared off the line by Diogo Dalot. The Seagulls’ pressure was palpable, with Welbeck heading a chance off the bar shortly after.
Manchester United, struggling to find rhythm, eventually leveled the score through Amad Diallo. The Ivorian’s shot deflected off Jan Paul van Hecke, bringing hope to the visitors and seemingly salvaging a point. However, United’s defensive frailties were exposed once more in the dying moments of the match.
With the clock ticking towards the end, Brighton’s João Pedro was given an alarming amount of space at the back post. His header from Simon Adingra’s cross sailed past Andre Onana, sealing a dramatic victory for the Seagulls. Pedro’s late goal not only handed Brighton a memorable win but also gave their 31-year-old manager Fabian Hurzeler a fairy-tale debut at home.
In the aftermath, Erik ten Hag was visibly frustrated and critical of his side’s defending. “If you protect the goal like we do, then you drop points,” Ten Hag lamented. “We conceded two soft goals where we should have acted better as a team. We have to be more alert in such moments.” The Dutchman’s criticism reflects the mounting pressure he faces following a lackluster season in 2023/24 and the club’s heavy expenditure in the transfer market.
United’s defensive reinforcements, including Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, and Leny Yoro, were expected to address the team’s vulnerability at the back. However, De Ligt’s lapse in concentration, along with Scott McTominay’s inability to deal with Adingra’s delivery, proved costly. The late goal highlighted the continuing defensive issues that have plagued United despite their high-profile signings.
The defeat also amplifies the spotlight on Ten Hag as Liverpool looms on the horizon, set to visit Old Trafford next weekend. Although Ten Hag’s tenure was temporarily secured by winning the FA Cup and finishing eighth in the league, the scrutiny remains intense. United’s narrow 1-0 victory over Fulham last week had provided a glimmer of hope, but Saturday’s performance has raised questions about whether the club can sustain an improvement.
Brighton, under Hurzeler’s stewardship, have started the season strongly. After a 3-0 thrashing of Everton in his first match, the Seagulls’ late victory against United reinforces their ambitions of returning to European competition. Hurzeler expressed satisfaction with his team’s resilience, stating, “Winners in the last minute are always emotional. The most important thing is the attitude of the players; they always believed in each other.”
As Manchester United prepares for their next fixture against Liverpool, the club must address its defensive shortcomings or risk further setbacks in what promises to be a challenging season. For Brighton, the victory is a testament to their growing confidence and potential under their new manager.
