After defeating Brighton and Hove Albion 2-0 at the Amex Stadium, Manchester United concluded their Premier League campaign with a winning record.
Despite this victory, United finished in eighth place in the league meaning they will not qualify for Europe unless they win the Emirates FA Cup final against Manchester City.
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First-Half Of The Game Poor Performance By Manchester United
In the first half of the game, neither team was able to create many clear-cut opportunities.
Brighton had more opportunities but United’s defence stood strong. Jakub Moder made a vital tackle early in the game to prevent Alejandro Garnacho from scoring.
Not long after Bruno Fernandes was set up by Kobbie Mainoo who intercepted a pass.
However, Bruno’s chip was not tall enough to beat Brighton’s goalkeeper Jason Steele.
Then Valentin Barco of Brighton put United’s keeper Andre Onana to the test, the latter made a nice save with his leg.
With one header going wide and another attempt being cleared off the line by Lisandro Martinez, Andy Webster posed a threat for Brighton during set pieces.
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After a good build-up involving Amad, Mainoo and Fernandes, Scott McTominay shot over the bar giving United their best chance of the half.
Joao Pedro had a great chance to put Brighton ahead in the 32nd minute but he missed the mark at close range.
Soon before halftime, Garnacho displayed some skills by outpacing Brighton’s defense line and putting in a cross that Steele was able to deflect.
Second-Half Of The Game
Manchester United played a much better game in the second half.
When Moder set up Joao Pedro for a goal early in the half, Brighton thought they had taken the lead but Casemiro cleared the ball off the line and Adam Lallana’s subsequent attempt was deflected wide.
United then started to take control. Amad and replacement, Rasmus Hojlund did a great job of closing the gap on McTominay and Garnacho’s attempt went wide after deflecting off Webster.
More opportunities were created by Hojlund’s aggressive play but McTominay’s shot was blocked and Amad’s went over the crossbar.
The 73rd minute marked the turning point. Diogo Dalot calmly slotted the ball past Steele after Casemiro’s long ball deflected off Igor Julio.
As time was running out Hojlund beat the opposition by receiving a pass from Christian Eriksen moving the ball to his right foot and finishing close to the net.
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With this goal Hojlund’s season total of 16 goals increased the chances of moving him ahead of Fernandes as United’s leading scorer.
As they rejoiced in the sunshine United supporters hoped to defeat Manchester City in the FA Cup final on the 25th of May 2024 and earn a spot in the Europa League the following year.
