“I don’t understand how a manager of his caliber makes such a terrible mistake. Some even dubbed it as a “sackable” blunder and trust they are not wrong.” – This is according to Rio Ferdinand as he pointed out here Ruben Amorim Went Wrong as Manchester United Suffer Another humiliating Collapse Against Brighton

Manchester United Suffer Another Setback as Brighton Secure 3-1 Victory at Old Trafford

Manchester United endured a crushing 3-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon, further compounding their struggles under Ruben Amorim. The loss exposed several ongoing issues within the squad, as Brighton capitalized on United’s defensive vulnerabilities to claim all three points.

Brighton Strike Early as United Struggle to Respond

The visitors wasted no time in taking control of the match, finding the net within the opening five minutes. Kaoru Mitoma expertly timed his run to break through United’s defensive line before setting up Yankuba Minteh, who slotted home Brighton’s opener.

Although United responded in the 23rd minute through a Bruno Fernandes penalty—awarded after Carlos Baleba fouled Joshua Zirkzee in the box—their attacking momentum quickly faded. Amorim’s side struggled to create meaningful chances for the remainder of the match, allowing Brighton to regain control.

Second-Half Collapse Seals United’s Fate

Brighton reasserted their dominance after the break, with Mitoma restoring their lead in the 60th minute. The Seagulls nearly extended their advantage earlier when João Pedro found the net, but VAR disallowed the goal due to a foul by Jan Paul van Hecke on Diogo Dalot.

However, United’s hopes of a comeback were dashed in the 76th minute following a costly mistake from goalkeeper Andre Onana. His fumble allowed Georginio Rutter to capitalize and secure Brighton’s third goal, effectively sealing the contest.

This latest defeat leaves Manchester United languishing in 13th place in the Premier League standings, while Brighton climb to ninth. The match exposed several key concerns for Amorim, including slow starts, attacking inefficiency, and defensive instability.

Three Key Takeaways from United’s Disappointing Performance

1. United’s Habit of Slow Starts Continues to Cost Them

United once again paid the price for a sluggish opening, conceding within the first five minutes. Brighton’s early goal forced Amorim’s men to chase the game, disrupting their game plan and allowing the visitors to dictate the tempo.

Similarly, in the second half, United were vulnerable from the restart. Brighton initially thought they had restored their lead through João Pedro, only for VAR to intervene. However, it was only a temporary reprieve, as Mitoma struck moments later to put Brighton back in front. United’s failure to start either half with urgency ultimately proved costly.

2. Lack of Cutting Edge in Attack

Manchester United’s struggles in front of goal remain a major concern. Despite earning a penalty, their attacking play was largely ineffective.

Joshua Zirkzee showed glimpses of promise but lacked the clinical finishing needed to lead the line. Rasmus Højlund’s development has stalled, while Alejandro Garnacho’s inconsistency and Marcus Rashford’s uncertain future add to the team’s attacking woes.

Amad Diallo has provided some spark, but the fact that United are relying on a 22-year-old winger who only recently broke into the starting XI highlights their lack of reliable goal-scoring options. Reinforcements are needed, but financial constraints may complicate any potential transfers.

3. Time to Consider Dropping Andre Onana

Andre Onana’s costly mistake handed Brighton their third goal, raising further doubts about his reliability. The Cameroonian goalkeeper’s erratic performances have been a recurring issue this season, and his latest blunder only adds to the pressure on Amorim.

While Altay Bayındır may not be a long-term solution, he could provide a temporary alternative as United search for more stability between the posts. Onana’s continued errors are costing United valuable points, and a change may be necessary to steady the team’s defensive structure.

What’s Next for Manchester United?

With the defeat leaving United in a precarious position, Ruben Amorim faces mounting pressure to turn things around. Addressing their sluggish starts, reinforcing the attack, and making crucial decisions regarding Onana’s role will be key to reviving their fortunes.

As the season progresses, United must find solutions quickly to avoid further setbacks. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Amorim can steer the team in the right direction or if their struggles will continue.