Brighton vs Manchester United Summary
Manchester United fell to a humiliating 4-0 defeat against Brighton at the Amex Stadium. Moises Caicedo put the home team in front with a super effort from the edge of the box. The Reds had no reply and Ralf Rangnick’s penultimate game in charge fell to pieces in the second half, with the hosts scoring three goals in quick fashion.
Rangnick made no changes and went with the same team, which beat Brentford comfortably. However, the performance levels fell significantly. From the first whistle, Potter’s men were in complete control and the scoreline could have been much worse.
The Seagulls were better in and out of possession, with the Red Devils lacking any real rhythm or identity. Caicedo put his side in front, following a poor clearance from Alex Telles. The Brazilian fullback had an awful game and in the first half, he left Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Ralf Rangnick frustrated, with the trio spotted shouting in his direction.
United rarely went forward in the first half, with Juan Mata the only player to register a shot on target. Matters almost went from bad to worse, when Danny Welbeck found himself one on one with David de Gea. An error from Raphael Varane, put Welbeck through on goal, however the Englishman was unable to find the back of the net.
Brighton dominate United in humiliating second half
The second half was no different from the first. Ronaldo and Fernandes attempting to create some sort of attack with no success whatsoever, while the home team kept possession with ease. Marc Cucurella found the back of the net with his first ever Premier League goal.
Cucurella had all the time in the world to pick his spot and he expertly found the roof of the net. David de Gea had no chance. Minutes later and Brighton were 3-0 up and this time it was Pascal Gross.
Gross found the back of the net, after being picked out by Trossard. With two assists to his name, Trossard decided to get himself on the scoresheet by bundling the ball home from close range. Many of the United players claimed for handball, however VAR awarded the goal and Rangnick looked on in disbelief with his side 4-0 down.
Bruno Fernandes and Edison Cavani almost got late consolation goals. However, Sanchez made two great saves and kept a clean sheet. The final whistle went and it was confirmed that Manchester United will not be participating in next years UEFA Champions League competition. This defeat was United’s fifth successive away loss.
Brighton vs Manchester United Player Ratings
David de Gea 4/10
Should have got down quicker to get a hand to Caicedo’s shot. Couldn’t do anything to prevent the other three goals and was let down by an awful defence. His distribution and ability on the ball was abysmal compared to the Brighton keeper.
Diogo Dalot 3/10
Was average in the first half and awful in the second. Many will say he was at fault for the second and third goal. Right- back looks set to become an area that needs addressing in the summer.
Victor Lindelof 2/10
Unsurprisingly outmuscled all game and just isn’t physical enough to be starting week in week out. Should have done much better to come out and close down in the build up to the first goal. Second best in his duels with Welbeck.
Raphael Varane 2/10
His worst performance for the club. Shaky and nervy when on the ball. Let off by Welbeck in the first half. Beaten easily by Gross, who sent the Frenchman one way before going the other.
Alex Telles 1/10
Has been playing due to a lack of left backs available. Should not be in the squad for the game against Palace, following this shambolic performance. Was at fault for the first goal and didn’t really do anything right during the entire 90 minutes.
Scott McTominay 1/10
Probably his third consecutive disastrous display. Almost a one-man midfield at times. Can’t dictate games or win his duels against a player, making just his sixth Premier League start. With performances like this, he may find himself not part of the rebuild next season.
Nemanja Matic 6/10
Was the only decent player for the Reds, but was amazingly taken off at half time and consequently matters went from bad to worse. Was the only player getting stuck into challenges and driving forward.
Anthony Elanga 2/10
Couldn’t cope with the tempo the game was being played at and looked nervous at this away ground. Constantly lost possession and had no impact on the game. Rightly taken off at half time.
Juan Mata 3/10
Shouldn’t be starting Premier League games for Manchester United in 2022. Didn’t have the legs to press and was outmuscled by Brighton’s midfield.
Bruno Fernandes 4/10
Tried to create things by dropping deep, but was ineffective. Looked like he cared and tested Sanchez in the second half. Was unable to pull the team together, when things began to collapse. Doubt he will be in the running for the captaincy next year.
Cristiano Ronaldo 2/10
Passing, dribbling and shooting was all off. Isolated for the majority of proceedings but a poor display overall. Couldn’t believe what he was seeing in the second half and will be considering his options in the summer.
Subs
Fred 6/10
Ran around and tried his best to rally the team. Should have started.
Edison Cavani 5/10
Tested the keeper and pressed their backline. Like Fred, he should have started the game.
Harry Maguire 5/10
Almost scored and didn’t concede any more chances after he came on, although the game was already over.
Manager: Ralf Rangnick 4/10
Kept the same eleven, which did the job just five days ago. Unable to get a consistent performance of his side, which is the story of his tenure. Made early subs, but this only made matters better for the opposition.
