Manchester United ended their dismal Premier League season on somewhat of a high with a 2-0 win at Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon.
Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Hojlund scored late on for the Red Devils as they finished eighth in the standings.
Mail Sport’s NATHAN SALT was at the Amex Stadium running the rule on both teams – in what was Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi‘s final game in charge.
Diogo Dalot (right) wheels away after scoring Manchester United’s opener against Brighton
Rasmus Hojlund underlined his worth to Man United during their late 2-0 win at Brighton
BRIGHTON (4-2-3-1)
Jason Steele – 6
Preferred to Bart Verbruggen, it appeared the most difficulty he would have all afternoon was navigating the sun in his eyes in the second half without a cap. Was sold short by his defender for Diogo Dalot’s goal.
Valentin Barco – 6.5
A constant livewire down Brighton’s left side, he gave both Amad Diallo and Aaron Wan-Bissaka plenty to think about. Was unlucky not to give Brighton the lead after a well-worked move in the first half.
Igor – 4.5
Left to rue a mistimed header – which actually brushed off his hand – that allowed Dalot to nip in behind him to score. Then allowed Rasmus Hojlund to run past him like he wasn’t even there for the second.
Igor (left) endured a difficult afternoon on the south coast as Brighton were beaten at home
Adam Webster – 5.5
The most dangerous player on the pitch from set-pieces, he’ll go home tonight frustrated he didn’t punish United, particularly in the first half, with some of his headers.
Jakub Moder – 6
Produced a brilliant recovery tackle as the last man to deny Alejandro Garnacho in first 10 minutes and that set the tone. Saw his attacking contribution diminish significantly in the second half.
Pascal Gross – 6
Fans’ Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season, Gross has been exemplary this season. This was, however, one of his quieter games as his midfield partner shone brightest.
Carlos Baleba – 7
Looking for the next Brighton mega-money sale? Karou Mitoma and Simon Adingra are good options but look no further than this 20-year-old. Bullied United’s midfield for a large spell and stood out before Brighton’s late collapse.
Joao Pedro – 6.5
His dancing feet helped him routinely deceive the United back-line but his finishing left plenty to be desired. Missing chances to the quality that he did and you’ll get punished – as they were.
Joao Pedro’s finishing was below-par as his missed chances proved fatal during Brighton’s loss
Adam Lallana – 6
Was given a standing ovation on what is his final game for Brighton. His influence came more from an on-pitch coaching role rather than dictating the play in the middle of the park. Will be sorely missed in this part of the world.
Simon Adingra – 7
A gem of a player. He dominated United in the reverse game at Old Trafford and clearly relishes this match-up. Needs to work on his final ball but a Big Six move doesn’t feel far away the more and more Adingra plays.
Danny Welbeck – 6
Given United’s centre backs have looked so vulnerable this season, the former United man didn’t put enough fear into them early here and was handled with relative ease.
MANAGER: Roberto De Zerbi – 6
In what is his final game as Brighton manager he will be left wondering just how his side let a relentless start slip and they ended the day with nothing. Was given a hero’s welcome when he arrived and will be remembered for taking them into Europe.
SUBS
Julio Enciso (for Adam Lallana, 57) – 7
Tariq Lamptey (for Valentin Barco, 81) – 5.5
Ansu Fati (for Simon Adingra, 81) – 6
Billy Gilmour (for Carlos Baleba, 82) – 6
MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1)
Andre Onana – 6
Was the busier of the two goalkeepers – which shouldn’t come as a surprise these days – but his saves proved crucial en route to another win.
Diogo Dalot – 7
Had his hands full with Simon Adingra and didn’t always get the better of the match-up. Delivered the opening goal when his quick-thinking caught Brighton out after an Igor error.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Brought back into the starting XI after a long time on the sidelines and that return went to plan as he made it through an hour. Has been pushing to play ahead of the cup final and got valuable minutes.
Casemiro – 6.5
Came out fighting this week to defend himself against criticism and while Joao Pedro was afforded far too many touches in the box, much of it cannot be blamed on the Brazilian. Pushed up into midfield when Evans and Varane came on.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6.5
Was turned inside out by Valentin Barco early on but recovered and went on to make a crucial block on the line to deny Brighton a near certain goal. It was a key moment as momentum in the game swung thereafter.
Sofyan Amrabat – 5
Having put in two much improved displays the bar had been raised… before it was lowered significantly here. Looked erratic, which he didn’t against Arsenal or Newcastle. Booked.
Kobbie Mainoo – 5.5
Was largely a non-factor and United will need him to do much more next weekend if they are to stand any chance against Manchester City.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6.5
Should have done better when he got in behind Jakub Moder in the first half but, again, his running can’t be questioned. Remarkable how much is being asked of him at just 19 years of age.
Scott McTominay – 5.5
Missed a golden opportunity to make it 1-0 when played through by Fernandes. Got under it and ballooned it over. Not one of his better days all told.
Amad Diallo – 6
Cut a peripheral figure here as United lacked any sort of structure to their play. Showed some neat and tidy touches on the counter-attack that was more than some team-mates showed.
Bruno Fernandes – 5
Once again starting as the false nine, it clearly seems that Ten Hag is considering using this system, with Fernandes at the tip of it, against Man City in the FA Cup final. Not that it proved very fruitful on a frustrating afternoon for the captain. Booked.
MANAGER: Erik ten Hag – 7
Continues to take plenty of criticism but it’s back-to-back wins going into the FA Cup final and Sir Dave Brailsford and Jason Wilcox in the stands can’t argue with successive wins. Still, he needs to think real hard about whether this false nine system will really work against Man City at Wembley.
SUBS:
Jonny Evans (for Lisandro Martinez, 59) – 7
Rasmus Hojlund (for Bruno Fernandes, 60) – 8
Raphael Varane (for Sofyan Amrabat, 69) – 6
Christian Eriksen (for Kobbie Mainoo, 75) – 5
Marcus Rashford (for Amad Diallo, 75) – 6
