The Reds ended a poor league campaign with a 2-0 victory away at Brighton on Sunday, finishing in 8th place in the league.
It’s United’s worst-ever league finish, but we managed to avoid finishing with our lowest-ever points tally; the win over Brighton taking us to 60, 2 better than our 2021/22 campaign.
8th place means missing out on all three European competitions. However, victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup would mean a guaranteed Europa League place.
a forgettable first half
In the first 45 minutes United didn’t really look like they’d built on their recent good performance at home to Newcastle.
Brighton dominated possession and looked the most likely to score. Valentin Barco beat Aaron Wan-Bissaka before forcing a low save from Andre Onana. Joao Pedro went close as defensive pair Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez were kept busy, the Brazilian blocking Pedro’s goal-bound effort on the line.
With the Seagulls largely in the ascendency, Alejandro Garnacho looked like our most dangerous attacker; beating Brighton’s Moder and drawing a save out of Jason Steele. Bruno Fernandes, played again in the false nine position, was struggling to impact proceedings.
Ten Hag handed starts to recent stand-out performers Sofyan Amrabat and Amad Diallo, but neither were able to make a real impact, especially Amrabat, and United were probably relieved to go in at 0-0.
A similar second half but Rasmus to the rescue
United didn’t look that much better going forward in the second half, but we were coping with Brighton pressure well at the back. After the hour mark we did look improved when Rasmus Hojlund came on for Bruno Fernandes, who had an afternoon to forget.
Casemiro’s hopeful punt up the field on 72′ was collected by Diogo Dalot, who finished superbly well to put United in front.
Brighton responded by making changes of their own, but United were starting to look more dangerous; Christian Eriksen whipping a few dangerous-looking crosses in, which were dealt with.
Hojlund and Eriksen combined well on 88′, before Hojlund beat two Brighton defenders and smashed the ball home past the despairing Steele, for a scoreline that put a gloss on an average performance. Once again, the away end was full, and vocal all afternoon. United once again showing why we have the best support in the country.
PLAYER RATINGS AND MOTM
Onana – 6. Didn’t have many big saves to make but was mostly solid when called on.
Dalot – 7. Defended and got forward well all game. Took his goal nicely.
Casemiro – 7. Looked good at centre back and made a brilliant goal-line clearance in the first half.
Martinez – 6.5. Solid and dependable in his usual combative style; a good return to the starting line-up.
Wan-Bissaka – 5.5. Poor defending to allow Barco’s chance in the first half, and still looked a little lost going forward at times.
Mainoo – 6. Kept going in midfield and had some good moments, but not hugely influential.
Fernandes – 5.5. Struggled for the influence he showed against Newcastle and was subbed, probably with the FA Cup in mind.
Garnacho – 7. Was the United player that looked most likely in the first half and was positive throughout
Amrabat – 5. A regression from his last outing – didn’t look comfortable against Brighton’s midfield.
Amad – 6. Kept going and tried to beat his man but didn’t get too much success and end product was lacking.
McTominay – 5.5. Struggled to influence things going forward and wasted United’s best first-half chance.
Subs:
Evans (on for Martinez on 59′) – 6. Solid enough at the back.
Hojlund (on for Fernandes on 60′) – 7.5 & MOTM. Took his goal really well and acted as a focal point, holding long balls up well.
Varane (on for Amrabat on 69′) – 6. Did a decent job and got minutes before the FA Cup Final.
Rashford (on for Diallo on 75′) – 6. Got a run out before Wembley.
Eriksen (on for Mainoo on 75′) – 6.5. Good late assist for Rasmus Hojlund.
LOOKING AHEAD
It’s the big one on Saturday: United vs City in the FA Cup Final.
Erik Ten Hag has some big names back to choose from, and some tough decisions with players drifting in and out of form seemingly on a weekly basis.
Although we will be underdogs, it’s just one game and anything can happen. Let’s hope and pray for a good performance and the rub of the green, and just maybe this season will end with something to cheer about.
