Deep into stoppage time, the video assistant referee identified a handball by defender Luke Shaw, and Mac Allister made no mistake with the Seagulls’ game-winning kick.
Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Antony all had scoring chances in the first half for United, but Brighton came out on top in the second half thanks to David De Gea’s excellent saves on Kaoru Mitoma and Mac Allister.
The Reds still lead fifth-placed Liverpool by four points with five games remaining in the Premier League, and they also have a game in hand. The game got off to a brisk start for Erik ten Hag’s team as they launched a swift counterattack. Danny Welbeck, a former United forward, was quickly removed from possession by Casemiro, who then expertly connected with Fred and Bruno Fernandes in midfield. Bruno then threaded a gorgeous ball to Antony, but his shot missed the mark.
In response, the home team made a swift break of their own. Victor Lindelof’s brief ball was easily intercepted by Mitoma, who then bared down on goal. His shot struck De Gea square in the face, and the Spanish custodian needed extensive medical attention before returning to the game.
A few minutes after Bruno missed with a rocket from the outside of the box, Mitoma was given another opportunity to put De Gea to the test. As our custodian watched, the Seagulls were able to move the ball from the right side of the field to the left, where Mitoma was able to dodge Aaron Wan-Bissaka before his shot sneaked just past the far post.
Between the 15th and the 25th minutes, United played at its best as Rashford challenged Jason Steele and Antony found the side netting. After working on a short corner, Luke Shaw and Fernandes sent a deep cross into the penalty box, which Casemiro narrowly missed with his header.
1 – Manchester United have picked up just one point from eight away matches against sides currently 9th and above in the Premier League this season (W0 D1 L7), the joint-fewest of any side on the road against such opposition in 2022-23 (level with Nottingham Forest). Dispatched. pic.twitter.com/hHHzvbB0J5
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 5, 2023
Rashford sought to shoot the ball with his left foot as he spun and escaped from backup Seagulls full-back Moises Caicedo, but Steele once again stopped him. While our no. 21’s attempt was scuffed, the ensuing corner found Antony on the edge of the area, and Steele nearly parried it out to the waiting Martial.
Midway through the half, Brighton was able to retake control and began to put De Gea to the test once again. The Spaniard was fixed to the spot as a result of World Cup champion Mac Allister’s long-range shot, but it missed the far post. Then, Julio Enciso succeeded in getting away, but he also missed with a shot in what was quickly turning into a really exciting contest. United had perhaps our best opportunity to go ahead as the half came to a conclusion.
The Reds moved the ball across the ground, and Fred used a deft one-two to put Martial through on goal. The Frenchman made a clean shot, but Steele once more kept his ground to force the corner.
Early in the second half, the Reds were able to get behind the Brighton defenders, and Rashford was able to make a quick break for it. After Moises Caicedo crossed his arm over his chest, he believed he should have been given a penalty, but referee Andre Marriner stood his ground.
Brighton struggled to finish off Mitoma’s dangerous play as he delivered a brilliant chip straight into De Gea’s arms and Welbeck’s attempt from the Japanese winger’s low cross was off-target.
While United struggled for long stretches to get going, Fernandes and Casemiro both had chances to score. The Portuguese playmaker’s curling shot from the edge of the box was deflected by Steele, and our Brazilian midfielder’s header narrowly missed the crossbar.
After Fernandes and De Gea successfully stopped Mitoma and Caicedo’s attempts from the ensuing corner, the Reds appeared to have won the match, but the referee was called to the sidelines to check the VAR monitor.
After several minutes of waiting, Mac Allister slammed the penalty into the top corner to give the home team the victory after Shaw unintentionally touched the ball as it was sent into the area.
