The inconsistency in Manchester United is at it once more because the Pink Devils suffered yet one more disappointing loss at Previous Trafford, falling 3-1 to a pointy Brighton facet. On a day meant to honor legendary striker Denis Regulation, the temper shortly turned from solemn remembrance to frustration as United’s struggles continued underneath supervisor Ruben Amorim.
United had hoped to pay tribute to Regulation, who handed away at age 84, with a efficiency becoming of his legacy. Regulation, a key determine within the membership’s historical past, was identified for his electrifying shows and knack for scoring. However as an alternative of inspiring a robust exhibiting, the workforce delivered one among its poorest performances of the season.
This defeat marks United’s sixth in simply 11 league matches since Amorim’s arrival, leaving them sitting uncomfortably in thirteenth place. Although they continue to be 10 factors above the relegation zone, the present kind raises severe doubts about their potential to remain out of a survival battle.
Brighton take cost
Brighton wasted no time setting the tone. Simply 5 minutes into the sport, Carlos Baleba despatched a wonderfully weighted lengthy ball to Kaoru Mitoma, who raced previous United’s sluggish protection. Mitoma unselfishly squared the ball to Yankuba Minteh, who had the best of finishes to place Brighton forward.
United discovered a short lifeline within the twenty third minute when Joshua Zirkzee was fouled within the field by Baleba. Bruno Fernandes calmly transformed the penalty, giving followers a glimmer of hope. However that hope was short-lived.
Brighton’s second-half dominance
Within the second half, Brighton’s power and group overwhelmed United. Mitoma struck once more within the sixtieth minute, ending Minteh’s cross with a well-timed poke on the far put up. That aim pushed Mitoma to a brand new milestone, making him the highest-scoring Japanese participant in Premier League historical past with 15 targets.
The ultimate blow got here within the 76th minute, courtesy of a disastrous mistake from United’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana. The keeper, who has struggled for consistency all season, dropped a simple cross proper at Georginio Rutter’s ft. The French ahead wanted no second invitation, slotting residence to seal Brighton’s victory.
A Troubled United
This defeat highlighted United’s obtrusive points, significantly in protection and goalkeeping. The workforce has now gone 12 matches with out preserving a clear sheet in all competitions. Onana, who was introduced in to offer stability, has as an alternative been on the middle of a number of expensive errors.
Brighton, then again, showcased why they’ve been a bogey workforce for United in current seasons. This win means the Seagulls have now triumphed in six of their final seven league encounters towards the Pink Devils.
A tribute overshadowed by loss
The match got here on an emotional day for the membership as they honored Denis Regulation, one among their biggest gamers. Followers left scarves and flowers on the base of the ‘Holy Trinity’ statue exterior Previous Trafford, which depicts Regulation alongside Bobby Charlton and George Finest. A piper performed “Flower of Scotland,” and a minute’s applause was held earlier than kickoff, with each groups carrying black armbands.
Regardless of the heartfelt tribute, United’s poor exhibiting overshadowed the event. Followers started leaving the stadium effectively earlier than the ultimate whistle, a transparent signal of their frustration with the workforce’s ongoing struggles.
Because the strain mounts on Ruben Amorim, the query stays: can he flip this faltering United facet round? If performances like this proceed, the reply might not be in his arms for for much longer.