Brighton vs Manchester United Review
By: Babatunde Ajibade (Manchester United correspondent) Twitter: ollyzjinx01 Instagram: sir_ajirowo01
New season, same old United?
In a dramatic late twist, Manchester United suffered a heartbreaking defeat as Joao Pedro headed in the winning goal during stoppage time, sealing Brighton’s 2-1 victory at Old Trafford. Pedro’s performance earned him the Man of the Match accolade, capping a thrilling encounter.
Brighton broke the deadlock against the run of play in the 32nd minute through former Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck. After United allowed Pedro too much space on the wing, he delivered a precise cross into the box. Kaoru Mitoma then showcased his vision with a clever pass, setting up Welbeck to score his 100th Premier League goal, a milestone ironically achieved against his former club.
Manchester United thought they had an immediate response when Marcus Rashford found the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Erik ten Hag’s side eventually drew level on the hour mark, with Amad Diallo cutting inside Brighton’s left-back Jack Hinshelwood and firing past goalkeeper Jason Steele.
As the match progressed, Brighton’s new £40 million signing from Leeds United, Georginio Rutter, was introduced to add fresh impetus. However, it was Pedro who stole the spotlight, rising to meet a cross from substitute Simon Adingra and nodding home the decisive goal in the dying moments—a fitting reward for his outstanding second-half display.
Manchester United will rue their missed opportunities and moments of misfortune, particularly a disallowed effort from Alejandro Garnacho that was ruled offside after a deflection off substitute Joshua Zirkzee. The Red Devils had their moments of dominance, but old issues resurfaced as they struggled to maintain control during the seven minutes of added time.
Brighton, on the other hand, showed their quality by capitalizing on United’s lapses. Welbeck’s first-half strike was a reminder of his prowess, even as United controlled much of the early play. Ten Hag made key substitutions, including the withdrawal of underperforming Mason Mount at halftime and Marcus Rashford shortly after, but the changes failed to turn the tide in United’s favor.
Diallo’s equalizer, aided by a significant deflection off Jan Paul van Hecke, was a bright spot for United, but the offside call on Garnacho’s effort summed up their evening. Brighton’s attack, featuring the dynamic trio of Pedro, Mitoma, and Yankuba Minteh, posed a constant threat and will likely trouble many defenses this season.
In the end, it was Pedro’s header from Adingra’s cross that sealed Brighton’s victory, leaving United to reflect on what might have been. The late drama and tactical decisions, including the controversial substitution of Bruno Fernandes, left some questioning Ten Hag’s approach as the match slipped away from the home side.
What next?: Manchester United will welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford on 1st September and its looking likely that Ten Hag needs reinforcements before Arne Slot’s team rolls into town.