Manchester United fans have expressed their dissatisfaction following a heavy defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, with much of the ire directed at one of their defenders. In a dramatic turn of events in the final moments of their Premier League match, the Red Devils conceded a crucial goal in the 95th minute. Joao Pedro of Brighton capitalized on a defensive mistake from United to secure a last-minute win, leaving supporters dismayed.
This setback sharply contrasted with the enthusiasm at Old Trafford just a week earlier. United had begun their 2024/25 Premier League season with a narrow but encouraging victory over Fulham, secured by a late goal from new recruit Joshua Zirkzee, which had fans celebrating. However, the positivity from this initial win quickly faded, overshadowed by the disappointing performance against Brighton.
In the wake of the defeat, discontent surged among Manchester United fans, many of whom took to social media to express their frustration. A significant amount of criticism was aimed at Portuguese defender Diogo Dalot. Critics pointed to his defensive error leading up to Brighton’s decisive goal, arguing that his positioning lapse allowed Joao Pedro to find the space needed to score. Observers noted that Dalot seemed out of position, leaving Pedro unmarked and ideally positioned to score from close range.
Fans were vocal in their criticism. One supporter tweeted, “This is what happens when you overrate average players like Dalot. His positioning mistake reflects his focus. This isn’t the first time, and it won’t be the last.” Another fan, with a touch of sarcasm, commented, “Dalot at the back post AGAIN… but whatever, I’m done.” A third expressed concern about defensive weaknesses, stating, “Three players are unmarked at the back post, but Dalot lets the opponent get within 5 yards of the box and doesn’t even attempt to block it.”
Dalot, who featured prominently in Manchester United’s lineup last season with 50 appearances and three goals, is now under intense scrutiny for his recent mistake. Despite contributing to seven clean sheets in the league, this error has raised doubts about his dependability in crucial moments. The criticism underscores ongoing concerns about United’s defensive weaknesses, which have been an issue in recent seasons. Dalot’s blunder against Brighton has intensified fears that United’s defense may falter in key situations.
For Brighton, this win was more than just three points; it was a statement of their ambitions. Following an impressive 3-0 victory over Everton in their opening match, this win over Manchester United marked their second consecutive victory of the season and temporarily placed them at the top of the Premier League standings, highlighting their strong start and signaling that they should not be underestimated.
Looking ahead, Manchester United faces a series of challenging fixtures that could influence their early season performance. Among the most anticipated matches is their upcoming clash with arch-rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford. This game will be significant as it will see Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, facing United for the first time since his appointment in June. The match will test United’s resilience as they aim to recover from their disappointing showing against Brighton.
The scrutiny of Dalot reflects the high expectations placed on Manchester United players. In a club where every performance is closely analyzed and every mistake scrutinized, the pressure to deliver consistently is immense. As the season progresses, Dalot and his teammates will need to demonstrate resilience and the ability to rebound from setbacks. Whether they can meet this 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 testing their character and resolve.
