Onana Howler Helps Brighton to Victory at Old Trafford
Manchester United endured another disappointing night at Old Trafford, falling 3-1 to a slick Brighton side. Manager Ruben Amorim didn’t mince his words after the match, calling his team “possibly the worst in Manchester United’s history.”
This was not a result or performance befitting the legacy of the club’s greats, such as Denis Law, who was honored in a pre-match tribute. Sir Alex Ferguson, paying his respects to the legendary striker, had encouraged Amorim to “stay positive” before the game. Unfortunately, there was little on the pitch to support that sentiment.
United fans have become accustomed to inconsistency, and this match was no different. Brighton took an early lead as Yankuba Minteh capitalized on poor defending. The visitors’ fluid attacking movement, led by Kaoru Mitoma and Danny Welbeck, caused persistent problems for United’s backline.
The uncertainty within the United squad was exemplified by a moment of miscommunication between Harry Maguire and Andre Onana. Maguire cleared the ball from his six-yard box just as Onana was preparing to collect it. This was only a precursor to the goalkeeper’s critical error later in the game, which gifted Brighton their third goal.
Amorim, aware of the uphill battle ahead, has repeatedly warned of “major bumps in the road.” While United’s seven points from their last nine league games might not scream relegation, the underlying performances suggest a long-term rebuild is inevitable.
Brighton’s Fluidity Key to Latest Triumph
Brighton once again showed their mastery over Manchester United, claiming their third consecutive victory at Old Trafford. The traveling fans, reveling in their team’s dominance, sang gleefully after the final whistle, relishing a performance that was clinical and confident.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has reinvigorated his side after a tough spell, leading them to three away wins in just nine days. Against United, their fluid attacking system, spearheaded by Mitoma and Welbeck, proved too much for the hosts to handle.
Welbeck, a former United player, provided a masterclass in forward play. His movement off the ball, whether dropping deep or pushing high, disrupted United’s defensive structure. This opened gaps for Brighton’s midfielders, including Yasin Ayari, to exploit. Ayari surged through the center of the pitch for Brighton’s second goal, highlighting United’s inability to stem the tide of Brighton’s relentless attacks.
While Brighton fans dream of European football again, their triumph also emphasized how far Manchester United have fallen.
“I Am Not Going to Change, No Matter What”
Ruben Amorim remains steadfast in his philosophy despite the mounting pressure and poor results. His preferred 3-4-3 formation, which brought him success at Sporting CP, has yet to translate effectively at United.
Speaking after the game, Amorim acknowledged the dire situation. “Everybody here is underperforming, and we have to accept that,” he admitted. “It is unacceptable to lose so many games. The opponents are better than us in many details.”
Amorim also noted the mental toll on his squad, emphasizing the challenge of introducing a new tactical system amidst such adversity. “When you lose games and don’t win three in a row, it becomes really hard,” he said.
Despite the setbacks, Amorim remains resolute. “I know we can succeed, but I am not naive. We need to survive this moment. But I am not going to change, no matter what,” he insisted.
Major Rebuild Needed
Amorim’s comments highlight the need for a massive overhaul at Manchester United. The current squad lacks cohesion, and several players appear to be on their way out.
Brazilian winger Antony, introduced late in the game, has been linked with a move to Real Betis. Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen are also rumored to be exploring exits, while Marcus Rashford’s departure seems inevitable due to his reduced role under Amorim.
The club’s financial situation complicates matters further. With top earners like Casemiro failing to justify their wages, United may need to offload key players to fund new signings.
Amorim is keen to reshape the squad to fit his system. The signing of 17-year-old Paraguayan defender Diego Leon signals a potential shift in strategy toward nurturing young talent rather than splurging on high-profile names. However, the immediate challenges remain daunting.
United’s Struggles Exposed
The loss to Brighton laid bare United’s struggles on multiple fronts. Andre Onana, who impressed against Southampton midweek, gifted Brighton their third goal with a clumsy error. “It’s like the team—ups and downs,” Amorim said of Onana’s performance.
While United avoided relegation talk for now, their inconsistency raises doubts about their ability to secure even a top-10 finish. The team’s defensive frailties, midfield disorganization, and lack of attacking fluidity all point to systemic issues that cannot be fixed overnight.
A Long Road Ahead
Manchester United’s defeat to Brighton is another painful reminder of how far the club has fallen. Amorim’s honest assessment of the situation may not inspire immediate confidence, but it underscores the scale of the challenge he faces.
As Brighton’s fans celebrated yet another victory at Old Trafford, United supporters were left wondering when, or if, their team will return to the heights of old. For Amorim, the task is clear: rebuild from the ground up, instill consistency, and restore belief.
But for now, the road ahead remains steep, and the shadows of past glory loom large over Old Trafford.
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