Manchester United's faltering Premier League campaign took another hit as Brighton seized a 3-1 victory at Old Trafford, marking the Red Devils' fourth home defeat in five games. The match revealed a worrying trend for Manchester United, who have now lost 10 of their 22 league matches this season. This marks the earliest point in a campaign that the club has reached double figures in defeats since the 1989-90 season under Alex Ferguson. The loss at Old Trafford also means Manchester United missed the chance to climb up from 13th in the league table.
Brighton showcased their dominance early on, with Yankuba Minteh opening the scoring in the 5th minute. Kaoru Mitoma doubled the lead in the 60th minute, and Georginio Rutter sealed the victory with a third goal in the 76th minute. The match was notable for Manchester United's failure to register a single shot on target from open play, underscoring their current struggles.
Manchester United's head coach, Ruben Amorim, did not mince words about his team's performance.
"In 10 games in the Premier League, we won two. I know that. Imagine what this is for a fan of Manchester United. Imagine what this is for me. So, we are getting a new coach that is losing more than the last coach." – Ruben Amorim
The defeat highlights Manchester United's defensive frailties; they have conceded the first goal in each of their last five Premier League games at Old Trafford, equaling their joint-longest such run in the league. This season, they have let in 10 goals in their last five home matches, a statistic that reflects their vulnerability on home soil.
Brighton's captain, Lewis Dunk, commented on Manchester United's current form:
"We were comfortable at the end, we didn't give them any chances at the end all game. We were comfortable, we pressed them at the end. We have learned, to win a game of football, it doesn't have to be pretty to win a game." – Lewis Dunk
Brighton's victory marked their third consecutive win at Old Trafford, a testament to their growing confidence against the Red Devils. Meanwhile, Manchester United suffered their sixth home Premier League defeat of the season, the most from their opening 12 home matches since the 1893-94 season.
Ruben Amorim expressed his dissatisfaction with how his team managed the game:
"Another loss at home. It's not acceptable, the way we suffered the goals. We can play some football but [only] in small spaces of time, so it's not consistent and we get nervous and then we suffer a goal." – Ruben Amorim
Amorim also shared his perspective on what needs to change:
"I think you felt it in the stadium. But we cannot end the game like that. Everybody out of position, so we have to end the game in a different way. No matter the result, we have to be a different team in all aspects." – Ruben Amorim
Despite their struggles, Amorim remains steadfast in his approach:
"That is clear. With me, that is clear. Because I'm not going to change the way I see the game. I'm very clear on that. The players are going to suffer, I'm sorry, the fans are going to suffer. I have one way of doing things, I know it's going to [bring] results. But we have to suffer these moments. I think it's very clear for everybody what we are going to do." – Ruben Amorim
The defeat also sparked an introspective comment from Amorim regarding Manchester United's current status:
"We are being the worst team, maybe, in the history of Manchester United." – Ruben Amorim
The match's outcome further underlines Manchester United's need for urgent improvements if they hope to salvage their season and restore faith among their supporters.
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