Brighton & Hove Albion delivered a sobering reality check to Manchester United and their manager, Ruben Amorim, with a commanding 3-1 victory at Old Trafford. Despite a brief resurgence in recent weeks, United’s defensive frailties and lack of creativity were laid bare by a Brighton side that now boasts three consecutive Premier League wins at this historic venue.
The visitors struck early through Yankuba Minteh, capitalizing on United’s sluggish start. A simple long ball from Brighton’s Baleba bypassed the United defense, allowing Kaoru Mitoma to square for Minteh to slot home. Though United equalized via a Bruno Fernandes penalty, the Seagulls’ relentless pressure soon exposed more cracks in United’s setup. Mitoma’s bravery at the back post restored Brighton’s lead before a catastrophic error by goalkeeper Andre Onana gifted Georginio Rutter the decisive third goal.
This defeat highlighted United’s ongoing defensive struggles under Amorim, who has managed just one clean sheet in 15 games. The lack of cohesion and discipline at the back was evident as Brighton exploited United’s disorganization with ease. Onana’s blunder, spilling a routine cross that led to Rutter’s goal, summed up United’s inability to maintain composure in high-pressure moments.
Beyond defensive woes, United’s attack also faltered. Ruben Amorim’s side managed only one shot on target—the penalty—showing a worrying lack of creativity and cutting edge in the final third. While Joshua Zirkzee won the spot-kick in his start ahead of Rasmus Højlund, his overall contribution failed to lift an otherwise uninspired forward line.
Brighton’s clinical performance contrasted sharply with United’s disjointed display. Mitoma and Minteh orchestrated a dynamic attack, supported by a disciplined midfield that consistently outworked United. Manager Roberto De Zerbi’s tactical approach further highlighted the gulf in quality and organization between the two sides.
