Three things we learned as lethargic Man United pull off 2-0 win vs. Brighton and Hove Albion | OneFootball

Manchester United travelled to the Amex to take on Brighton and Hove Albion in the club’s final match of the 2023/24 Premier League season.

United went into the game full of confidence following their previous 3-2 win against Newcastle. The team was also boosted by a number of returns, with the likes of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane back into the matchday squad.

Erik ten Hag started Andre Onana in goal with a defensive four of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and Diogo Dalot ahead of the goalkeeper.

Kobbie Mainoo and Sofyan Amrabat formed the midfield pivot with skipper Bruno Fernandes slightly ahead of them.

Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo were deployed on the wings, with Scott McTominay in the centre-forward position. Here are three things we learned from Manchester United’s 2-0 win against Brighton.

Ten Hag thoroughly outclassed by Roberto De Zerbi in the first half

Ten Hag was given a proper tactical schooling by De Zerbi in the opening 45 minutes. Brighton were easily the dominant side and were very unlucky not to head down the tunnel at least one or two goals up.

The Seagulls had the lion’s share of possession (60%) to United (40%). They also had more shots aimed at Onana’s goal (10) in comparison to the Red Devils (3).

Brighton managed to pin United back into their own half and limited Ten Hag’s side to just a few speculative overtures into their territory.

United’s best chance to break the deadlock landed to McTominay, who was put through on goal by Fernandes. However, the Scotland international failed to tame his effort and it flew over the bar.

Meanwhile, Brighton created multiple clear-cut chances, with the likes of Barco and Joao Pedro almost finding the back of the net. Luckily for United, the duo’s poor finishing let them down.

Pascal Groß was a constant menace to United in the middle of the park and also put in some nice crosses inside the United box.

In midfield, Carlos Baleba dominated and ensured the Reds were left with only scraps to work with. United’s wing pairing of Garnacho and Amad was quite and all credit belongs to De Zerbi and his players for neutralising the two.

Wan-Bissaka and Dalot barely had the chance to fly forward and take part in attacking phases of the game. The constant barrage of attacks from Brighton demanded that they stay back to help the centre-backs prevent Onana’s goal from being breached.

Yesterday, Brighton confirmed that De Zerbi will leave the club after the game vs. United. The Italian coach has been linked to United as a possible replacement for Ten Hag if INEOS were to sack the Dutchman.

Sir Dave Brailsford and new technical director Jason Wilcox were watching the game and were spotted in deep conversation throughout the half. If they were considering the game at the Amex as a De Zerbi audition, then the Brighton boss passed the first half with flying colours.

United must not keep Amrabat under any circumstances

A player that highlighted how poor and underwhelming United were against Brighton was Amrabat.

The Moroccan did well in past games vs. Arsenal and Newcastle but he reverted back to type during Sunday’s clash. He was certainly the weakest link in the middle of the park.

On multiple occasions, he was dispossessed of the ball in dangerous areas and gave Brighton the chance to drive forward.

It was puzzling how Amrabat seemed unaware of his surroundings and opponents around him. Seemingly aware of this weakness, Brighton were all too happy to aggressively press the United man when he received the ball.

Another frustrating aspect of Amrabat’s game was his erratic passing. Again and again, he kept giving the ball away to Brighton even when under little to no pressure.

Amrabat failed in his primary responsibility of shielding the defence as he offered no protection whatsoever. It was also very noticeable how slow he was reacting to danger.

The 27-year-old simply appeared out of his depth out there and that in itself should be enough to convince United not to make his stay permanent.

He’s not good enough for the club and what they want to achieve and it’s there shouldn’t be any hesitation about letting him leave for a new adventure.

Amrabat was taken off and replaced by Varane in the 69th minute.

FA Cup do-or-die for United

Luckily for United, second-half goals from Dalot and substitute Rasmus Hojlund spared United’s blushes and secured them a 2-0 win.

A sublime Casemiro ball from deep fell onto Dalot’s path and the right-back made no mistake from close range as he beat Jason Steele.

Hojlund on the other hand produced some great movement inside the box to create space for himself before firing a shot into the bottom corner. The goal took his season tally to 16.

The result was however not enough to clinch Europe for United via a league finish. The 20-time English champions have finished the campaign in eighth place – embarrassing and disappointing to say the least.

However, United have the chance to still sneak into the Europa League if they can somehow pull off a miracle next weekend in the FA Cup final and beat Manchester City.

The showpiece Wembley event is do-or-die for United and will likely have a big say on whether Ten Hag stays or is relieved of his duties as manager.

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