Manchester United fans have voiced their frustration after a crushing defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, with particular ire directed towards one of their defenders.
In a dramatic ending to their Premier League match, the Red Devils conceded a crucial goal in the 95th minute, allowing Brighton’s Joao Pedro to capitalize on a defensive lapse, securing a last-minute victory that left Manchester United supporters feeling dejected.
This defeat was a stark contrast to the optimism that had been building at Old Trafford just a week earlier. United had kicked off their 2024/25 Premier League season with a narrow but morale-boosting 1-0 win over Fulham, courtesy of a late goal from their new signing, Joshua Zirkzee.
This opening victory had initially lifted the spirits of the fans, who were hopeful for a positive start to the season. However, the disappointing performance against Brighton quickly dampened this early enthusiasm, raising concerns about the team’s consistency and defensive stability.
Following the loss, Manchester United supporters took to social media to express their displeasure, with much of the criticism aimed at Portuguese defender Diogo Dalot. Many fans singled out Dalot’s defensive error during Brighton’s decisive goal, accusing him of poor positioning that allowed Pedro to find the space needed to score.
Observers noted that Dalot appeared to be out of position during the crucial moment, leaving Pedro unmarked and in an ideal spot to convert the opportunity from close range.
The backlash from the fans was swift and harsh. One supporter posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), saying, “This is what happens when you overrate average players like Dalot. His poor positioning speaks volumes about his concentration. It’s not the first time and won’t be the last.” Another fan, with a hint of sarcasm, commented, “Dalot at the back post AGAIN… but whatever, can’t be bothered anymore.” A third fan highlighted concerns about Dalot’s defensive awareness, stating, “There are three unmarked players at the back post, and Dalot lets one of them get five yards into the box without even trying to block anything.”
Dalot, who had been a regular fixture in Manchester United’s lineup last season, making 50 appearances and scoring three goals, now finds himself under intense scrutiny for this key mistake. Despite his contributions to the team, including playing a role in securing seven clean sheets last season, this recent error has cast doubt on his reliability in crucial moments.
The criticism from fans underscores the ongoing concerns about United’s defensive vulnerabilities, which have been a recurring issue for the team in recent seasons.
For Brighton, this victory was more than just securing three points; it was a statement of their intent and potential for the season.
Following an impressive 3-0 win over Everton in their opening match, this triumph against Manchester United marked their second consecutive victory, temporarily placing them at the top of the Premier League table.
This strong start to the season signals that Brighton should not be underestimated as they continue to build on their early momentum.
Looking ahead, Manchester United faces a series of challenging fixtures that could significantly impact their season’s trajectory. One of the most anticipated matches is their upcoming clash with arch-rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford.
This game will be particularly significant as it will see Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, face United for the first time since his appointment in June. The match will serve as a crucial test for Manchester United as they look to bounce back from their disappointing performance against Brighton and re-establish their form.
The scrutiny on Dalot highlights the immense expectations placed on Manchester United players, where every performance is closely analyzed and every mistake magnified. As the season progresses, Dalot and his teammates will need to demonstrate resilience and the ability to recover from setbacks.
Whether they can rise to the challenge and regain the trust of their supporters remains to be seen, but it is clear that the road ahead will be demanding, with each match serving as a test of their character and resolve.
