Brighton 2-1 Manchester United: Player Ratings as Late Pedro strike stuns Red Devils

Manchester United suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Brighton on Saturday with a stoppage-time header from Joao Pedro sealing the victory for the Seagulls.

Danny Welbeck gave Brighton the lead in the first half, but Amad Diallo’s deflected strike levelled the score in the second half. Despite United’s efforts to find a winner, Pedro’s late goal handed Brighton all three points and condemned Erik ten Hag’s men to their first defeat of the season.

Brighton Player Ratings vs Man United

Goalkeeper

GK: Jason Steele – 6/10: Steele had a relatively quiet game, with United struggling to create clear-cut chances. He couldn’t do much about the deflected goal that brought United level.

Defenders

RB: Joel Veltman – 5/10 Veltman was fortunate not to be booked for a clear handball in the first half. His defensive positioning was solid, but his challenges were sometimes reckless.

CB: Jan Paul van Hecke – 7/10 Van Hecke was dominant in defense, winning several key battles against United’s attackers. He was unlucky to deflect Amad’s shot into his own net.

CB: Lewis Dunk – 6/10 Dunk had a shaky start with some nervy passes but grew into the game. His distribution improved, helping Brighton maintain control.

LB: Jack Hinshelwood – 6/10 Hinshelwood kept Amad quiet for most of the game but allowed the Ivorian too much space for the equalizing goal.

Midfielders

DM: James Milner – 8/10 The veteran midfielder was a standout performer, showcasing his experience with a combative display. He even made several attacking runs, nearly scoring himself.

DM: Billy Gilmour – 7/10 Gilmour was tireless in midfield, covering every inch of the pitch. His energy and work rate were crucial in breaking up United’s play.

RW: Yankuba Minteh – 6/10 Minteh was lively on the right flank, constantly threatening with his pace. However, his final delivery lacked the precision needed to create clear chances.

AM: Joao Pedro – 8/10 Pedro was a constant menace in the final third, making several dangerous runs. His late header secured the win for Brighton, capping off a fine performance.

LW: Kaoru Mitoma – 6/10 Mitoma provided the assist for Brighton’s first goal with a superb cross. However, he found it difficult to consistently beat Mazraoui on the left wing.

Forwards

ST: Danny Welbeck – 8/10 Welbeck haunted his former club with a well-taken goal and came close to adding a second. His link-up play with the Brighton attackers was excellent.

Substitutes

Carlos Baleba (73′ for Milner) – 6/10 Baleba added fresh legs to the midfield, helping Brighton maintain their intensity in the final stages.

Julio Enciso (78′ for Welbeck) – 6/10 Enciso was lively after coming on, pressing United’s defense and helping to close out the game.

Yasin Ayari (89′ for Gilmour) – N/A Came on too late to make a significant impact.

Georginio Rutter (89′ for Minteh) – N/A Had little time to influence the game.

Simon Adingra (89′ for Mitoma) – 7/10 Provided the assist for Pedro’s winning goal with a perfectly weighted cross, making a crucial contribution in his short cameo.

Manager

Fabian Hurzeler – 8/10 Hurzeler’s tactical setup frustrated United and allowed Brighton to exploit their weaknesses. His substitutions were well-timed, particularly the introduction of Adingra, who set up the winning goal.

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Man United Player Ratings vs Brighton

Goalkeeper

GK: Andre Onana – 6/10 Onana’s distribution was a highlight, but he was left helpless for both Brighton goals. His shot-stopping was solid, but he couldn’t save United from defeat.

Defenders

RB: Noussair Mazraoui – 7/10 Mazraoui was one of United’s better performers, providing an assist for Amad’s goal. He defended well against Mitoma and contributed to the attack.

CB: Harry Maguire – 5/10 Maguire’s error led to Brighton’s first goal, overshadowing an otherwise decent performance. His failure to clear the ball proved costly for United.

CB: Lisandro Martinez – 6/10 Martinez was composed in possession, helping United build from the back. However, he struggled at times to deal with Welbeck’s movement.

LB: Diogo Dalot – 6/10 Dalot did well to clear a shot off the line early in the second half and was solid defensively. However, he was caught out of position for Brighton’s winner.

Midfielders

DM: Casemiro – 6/10 Casemiro put in a workmanlike performance, making several important tackles. However, he was sometimes bypassed too easily by Brighton’s midfielders.

DM: Kobbie Mainoo – 6/10 Mainoo had a quieter game than usual but still made some important contributions. He was involved in both defense and attack, though not as influential as he can be.

RW: Amad Diallo – 6/10 Amad missed a good chance early on but redeemed himself with a deflected goal to level the score. He was inconsistent in the final third, showing flashes of brilliance.

AM: Mason Mount – 6/10 Mount’s pressing caused problems for Brighton early on, forcing mistakes. He was surprisingly substituted at halftime, despite a decent first-half showing.

LW: Marcus Rashford – 4/10 Rashford struggled to make an impact and was largely on the fringes of the game. He was rightly substituted after an hour as United searched for more attacking spark.

Forwards

ST: Bruno Fernandes – 6/10 Fernandes was quiet in the first half when playing as a striker but became more involved after dropping into midfield. His influence grew, but it wasn’t enough to prevent defeat.

Substitutes

Joshua Zirkzee (46′ for Mount) – 5/10 Zirkzee had little impact on the game and was involved in the disallowed goal that could have given United the lead.

Alejandro Garnacho (65′ for Rashford) – 7/10 Garnacho brought energy and directness to United’s attack. He had a goal disallowed but looked dangerous throughout his time on the pitch.

Matthijs de Ligt (79′ for Maguire) – 5/10 De Ligt was solid defensively but couldn’t prevent Brighton’s late winner.

Scott McTominay (79′ for Fernandes) – 5/10 McTominay added physicality to United’s midfield but didn’t influence the game significantly.

Antony (89′ for Diallo) – N/A Came on too late to make an impact.

Manager

Erik ten Hag – 6/10 Ten Hag’s side showed moments of promise, but defensive lapses and a lack of cutting edge in attack cost them. The Dutchman will need to address these issues quickly as United look to bounce back.

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