Cruel Injury-Time Defeat: Manchester United’s First Loss of the Season

Erik ten Hag’s side suffered their first defeat of the season in a hard-fought match against Brighton.

Traveling to the AMEX Stadium, Ten Hag made no changes to the starting eleven from the opening game of the season. Despite securing a win here at the end of last season, Manchester United approached the match cautiously due to Brighton’s significant summer additions, notably Yankuba Minteh.

The match started at a measured pace, with United having a slight edge as their pressing game proved effective.

The visitors had a clear chance to open the scoring when Diogo Dalot delivered a precise cross into the box for Amad Diallo. However, the young Ivorian’s finish was off-target, missing the opportunity.

Brighton’s counter-attacking style proved beneficial. In the 32nd minute, Joao Pedro’s delivery into the six-yard box created confusion for Harry Maguire and Noussair Mazraoui. The ball then fell to Kaoru Mitoma, who made a smart cross for Danny Welbeck to score against his former team.

In the second half, Ten Hag introduced new signing Zirkzee, who played on the left wing, with Marcus Rashford moving to the central striker position.

Despite this adjustment, Brighton continued to play with increased confidence, creating more dangerous opportunities against Andre Onana. Just as United seemed to be struggling, Amad Diallo made an impactful play with an impressive solo run.

Diallo skillfully maneuvered past a Brighton defender, entered the penalty area, and scored, making the efforts of the home team’s defenders ineffective.

Moments later, United had another chance to take the lead. Following a counter-attack, Diallo provided a precise cross for Alejandro Garnacho, but Zirkzee, in an offside position, unintentionally touched the ball, disallowing the goal.

Zirkzee might have regretted that moment, as in stoppage time, Brighton once again took the lead. Joao Pedro’s intelligent positioning and header secured Brighton’s second consecutive victory.

Final Score: Brighton 2-1 Manchester United

Goalscorers: Danny Welbeck (32′), Amad Diallo (60′), Joao Pedro (90+5′)

Starting XI:

Brighton: Steele; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Hinshelwood; Milner, Gilmour; Minteh, Pedro, Mitoma; Welbeck.

Substitutes: Rushworth, Lamptey, Igor, Webster, Enciso, Rutter, Adingra, Ayari.

Manchester United: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Mount, Rashford; Fernandes.

Substitutes: Bayindir, De Ligt, Evans, Collyer, Eriksen, McTominay, Antony, Garnacho, Zirkzee.