Manchester United suffered a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, with a stoppage-time winner from João Pedro leaving Erik ten Hag’s side frustrated and empty-handed despite a second-half equalizer from Amad Diallo.
Manchester United suffered a frustrating 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, leaving manager Erik ten Hag disappointed with his team’s performance. Despite fighting back to equalize in the second half, United ultimately fell short as Brighton secured victory with a stoppage-time goal.
The match saw United concede first when former player Danny Welbeck found the back of the net in the 32nd minute. Brighton capitalized on a lapse in United’s defense, leaving Ten Hag’s side chasing the game. United responded in the second half, with Amad Diallo scoring a well-taken equalizer, giving the visitors hope of turning the match around.
However, their hopes were dashed in the 95th minute when Brighton’s João Pedro was left unmarked in the box, allowing him to head home the winner past United goalkeeper André Onana. The late goal handed Brighton their second win in as many games under new manager Fabian Hürzeler, who continues to impress following his appointment.
United had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 70th minute, but a mix-up saw Alejandro Garnacho’s shot blocked on the line by teammate Joshua Zirkzee, who was subsequently ruled offside. This missed chance proved costly as Brighton capitalized on their opportunity in the dying moments.
The defeat highlighted some of the ongoing issues in United’s play, particularly their defensive vulnerabilities and lack of clinical finishing in crucial moments. Ten Hag expressed his dissatisfaction with the manner in which his team conceded both goals, pointing out that these were preventable mistakes.
Adding to United’s woes, Mason Mount was forced off at halftime due to injury, raising concerns about his availability for upcoming matches. Despite bringing on Zirkzee as a substitute, United were unable to find a way past a resilient Brighton defense.
For Brighton, this victory builds on their strong start to the season, following their 3-0 win over Everton on the opening day. Hürzeler’s side demonstrated resilience and a winning mentality, particularly in the final stages of the game, showcasing their potential to challenge higher up the table this season.
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