Manchester United fans have expressed their frustration following a devastating defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, with particular anger directed at one of their defenders.
In the final moments of 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 error, securing a last-minute victory that left Manchester United supporters deeply disheartened.
This loss sharply contrasted the optimism that had been building at Old Trafford just a week earlier.
United had begun their 2024/25 Premier League campaign with a hard-fought but morale-boosting 1-0 win over Fulham, thanks to a late goal from new signing Joshua Zirkzee.
This opening victory had initially lifted fans’ spirits, giving hope for a strong start to the season.
However, the poor performance against Brighton quickly dampened this early enthusiasm, raising concerns about the team’s consistency and defensive reliability.
Following the defeat, Manchester United supporters took to social media to voice their displeasure, with much of the criticism directed at Portuguese defender Diogo Dalot.
Many fans singled out Dalot’s defensive lapse during Brighton’s winning goal, accusing him of poor positioning that allowed Pedro to find the space needed to score.
Observers noted that Dalot seemed out of position during the crucial moment, leaving Pedro unmarked and in an ideal spot to capitalize on the opportunity from close range.
The backlash from fans was swift and harsh. One supporter posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “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, I’m done.”
A third fan expressed concerns about Dalot’s defensive awareness, saying, “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 was a regular in Manchester United’s lineup last season with 50 appearances and three goals, now finds himself under intense scrutiny for this key mistake.
Despite his contributions to the team, including helping secure seven clean sheets last season, this recent error has cast doubt on his reliability in crucial moments.
The criticism highlights ongoing concerns about United’s defensive vulnerabilities, 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.
After 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 suggests 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 underscores 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’s clear that the road ahead will be demanding, with each match serving as a test of their character and resolve.
