Manchester United 1-3 Brighton: Seagulls Soar at Old Trafford
Old Trafford, January 19, 2025
Manchester United suffered their first defeat of 2025 as Brighton & Hove Albion claimed an impressive 3-1 win at Old Trafford. Despite Bruno Fernandes equalising from the penalty spot in the first half, second-half goals from Kaoru Mitoma and substitute Georginio Rutter secured all three points for the visitors.
The afternoon began with a poignant tribute to United legend Denis Law, who was honoured with a poem and applause before kick-off. However, the occasion turned sour for the home crowd as United struggled to build on their midweek comeback win over Southampton.
First Half – Reds Respond After Early Setback
Brighton wasted no time in making an impact, threatening within two minutes as Joao Pedro forced a save from Andre Onana. The Seagulls soon capitalised on their bright start, with Mitoma racing onto a lofted pass and squaring for Yankuba Minteh to score past Onana, despite the keeper getting a touch.
United gradually found their rhythm and began to control possession, probing Brighton’s defence. Manuel Ugarte’s well-struck effort was blocked, and Fernandes failed to fully connect with a cross from Amad.
That persistence paid off when Amad pressed Brighton into a defensive error, leading to Joshua Zirkzee winning a penalty after being hauled down by Carlos Baleba. Fernandes coolly converted from 12 yards in the 23rd minute, sending Bart Verbruggen the wrong way.
Zirkzee continued to impress with his hold-up play, winning applause for a dazzling solo run that saw him beat two defenders and open up play for his teammates. However, Brighton remained a threat, and Diogo Dalot was forced into an excellent block to deny former United striker Danny Welbeck late in the half.
Second Half – Brighton Take Control
United started the second period with intent, as Amad’s powerful effort was bravely blocked by Brighton captain Lewis Dunk. Brighton thought they had regained the lead when Joao Pedro found the net, but VAR intervened to highlight a foul by Jan Paul van Hecke on Dalot in the buildup, leading to the goal being disallowed.
However, the Seagulls would not be denied for long. In the 60th minute, Yasin Ayari surged forward and fed Minteh, whose clipped cross to the back post was met by Mitoma. The Japanese winger stretched to guide the ball into the net, colliding with the upright in the process.
United tried to respond, with Zirkzee’s goalbound shot superbly blocked by van Hecke. That proved crucial, as Brighton extended their lead moments later. Onana was unable to hold Ayari’s low cross, and Rutter pounced on the loose ball, calmly evading Onana before slotting home. Matthijs de Ligt’s desperate attempt to clear was in vain.
With time running out, Ruben Amorim introduced Rasmus Hojlund and Antony, while Alejandro Garnacho and Toby Collyer had already been brought on earlier. Despite eight minutes of stoppage time, United struggled to mount a serious comeback, and Verbruggen’s goal remained largely unthreatened.
Match Details:
Manchester United XI: Onana; Yoro, Maguire, De Ligt; Mazraoui (Antony 84), Ugarte (Collyer 64), Mainoo (Garnacho 64), Dalot; Amad, Fernandes (c); Zirkzee (Hojlund 84).
Unused substitutes: Bayindir, Malacia, Martinez, Casemiro, Eriksen.
Goal: Fernandes 23 (pen).
Booked: Ugarte 61, Maguire 90+5, Yoro 90+8.
Brighton XI: Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk (c), Estupinan (Lamptey 84); Baleba (Gomez 90+5), Ayari; Minteh (March 69), Joao Pedro (Enciso 90+5), Mitoma; Welbeck (Rutter 69).
Unused substitutes: Steele, McConville, Webster, Adingra.
Goals: Minteh 5, Mitoma 60, Rutter 76.
Booked: Baleba 21, Minteh 43, March 90+8.
Attendance: 73,758.
Post-Match Reactions
United manager Ruben Amorim reflected on the defeat: “We lacked a cutting edge in the second half. Brighton made the most of their chances, and we need to improve.”
Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, who scored the crucial second goal, said, “It was a great team performance. We stayed disciplined and took our opportunities when they came.”
United must now regroup as they prepare for a crucial European clash against Rangers at Old Trafford, where they will look to bounce back from this disappointing setback.
