Manchester United fans have expressed frustration with one of their players following a late defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. In the 95th minute of their Premier League match, United conceded a decisive goal to Brighton’s forward, Joao Pedro, which ultimately resulted in a loss for the Red Devils.
This defeat came just a week after United narrowly secured a win in their opening game of the 2024/25 Premier League season against Fulham.
In that match, a last-minute goal by new signing Joshua Zirkzee ensured a 1-0 victory for United. However, the high spirits from that win were quickly dampened by the disappointing performance against Brighton.
Following the match, United fans took to social media to vent their frustration, specifically targeting Portuguese defender Diogo Dalot. Many believe that Dalot’s lapse in positioning during the buildup to Brighton’s winning goal was the primary reason for the loss. Fans pointed out that Dalot appeared to be out of position, leaving Joao Pedro unmarked and free to score from close range.
One fan on X (formerly Twitter) criticized Dalot, saying, “This is what happens when you keep overhyping average players like Dalot. Forgetting his position speaks volumes about his concentration levels. Not the first time it has happened and definitely not the last.” Another fan echoed this sentiment, remarking, “Dalot at the back post AGAIN… But I have an agenda, whatever man cba.” A third fan highlighted the lack of defensive awareness, noting, “I understand there’s 3 people left unmarked on the back post but Dalot lets the guy creep in 5 yards in the 18-yard box and doesn’t attempt to block anything.”
Diogo Dalot, who made 50 appearances for Manchester United last season, scoring three goals and helping the team keep seven clean sheets in the Premier League, now finds himself under intense scrutiny.
The criticism comes at a time when United’s defensive frailties have been a recurring issue, and Dalot’s mistake against Brighton has only exacerbated concerns about the team’s ability to hold onto crucial points.
For Brighton, the victory marked their second consecutive win of the season, following a 3-0 triumph over Everton in their opening match. This win temporarily placed Brighton at the top of the Premier League standings, showcasing their strong start to the season.
Looking ahead, Manchester United faces a challenging schedule, with one of their most anticipated matches of the season on the horizon. They will host Liverpool at Old Trafford, a match that will see Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, take on United for the first time since his appointment in June.
Meanwhile, Brighton will focus on their midweek EFL Cup second-round match against Crawley Town before preparing to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The criticism of Dalot underscores the high expectations placed on Manchester United players, especially in moments where the team is expected to secure results.
As the season progresses, it remains to be seen how Dalot and the rest of the United squad will respond to the pressure and whether they can bounce back from this early setback.
