Premier League: Man United end campaign with a win

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 Brighton & Hove Albion 0 - 2 Manchester United

Rasmus Hojlund and Diogo Dalot helped Manchester United conclude their league campaign with a 2-0 victory over Brighton.

Brighton v Man United

Despite the win, Erik ten Hag's side finished the campaign in eighth place – their lowest top-flight position since 1989-90.

Brighton, on the other hand, couldn't provide the perfect send-off for departing boss Roberto De Zerbi, despite having better chances and dominating possession.

Adam Webster and Joao Pedro came closest to putting the Seagulls ahead in the first half, but neither had the clinical edge to beat Andre Onana.

Brighton were left ruing missed opportunities when Dalot slotted past Jason Steele in the 73rd minute, before substitute Hojlund secured the three points two minutes before the end of normal time.

The Seagulls ended the season in 11th place, missing out on the top half by a single point.

Manchester United entered the final day knowing they needed a better result than Newcastle's to guarantee seventh place and European football next season.

But hopes quickly faded as the Magpies went into the half-time break with a 3-0 lead at Brentford.

Newcastle eventually wrapped up a 4-2 win, meaning the Red Devils will have to beat Manchester City in the FA Cup on Saturday if they are to secure a spot in next season's Europa League.

Makeshift centre-back Casemiro put recent criticism behind him as he kept United in the game with a brilliant goalline clearance from Joao Pedro.

The Brazilian, normally a defensive midfielder, also set up Dalot's goal, sending a superb ball over the top of the Brighton defence.

Despite their worst Premier League finish, there have been positives for United this season and Hojlund's performance off the bench was an example.

The Danish international combined with Christian Eriksen before weaving through Brighton's defence and firing a low shot past Steele.

United's focus on the upcoming FA Cup final was clear when Ten Hag chose to rest key players, taking off Lisandro Martinez and Bruno Fernandes before the hour mark.

Manchester United fans at Brighton

This victory will boost confidence and likely keep the under-pressure Ten Hag in his job until Saturday's final. However, United will need to improve significantly in the coming week if they are to challenge Premier League champions Manchester City at Wembley.

Premier League news and stories: 2023/2024 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)

Brighton say farewell to their manager

De Zerbi's announcement on Saturday came as a surprise, but it ensured he received the send-off he deserved. Brighton fans waved goodbye to the Italian manager, with chants of 'Oh Roberto De Zerbi' echoing around the stadium throughout the match.

News: De Zerbi to leave Brighton (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)

De Zerbi led Brighton to their highest-ever top-flight finish last season, securing sixth place and European qualification for the first time in their history. Although the Seagulls' season fizzled out, an 11th-place finish is still a success given the demands of European competition and the loss of star players Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo in the summer transfer window, along with lengthy injuries to Solly March and Kaoru Mitoma.

There was also a farewell for Adam Lallana, who made his 95th and final Premier League appearance for Brighton after announcing his departure from the club this week. The 36-year-old midfielder was in tears as he hugged De Zerbi when he was replaced by Julio Enciso in the 55th minute.

A decent way to end a poor season

Liam, a Manchester United fan, added: "That was a decent way to end a poor season. The first half was a battering in all but the scoreline. They had so many shots on Onana’s goal, with Martinez making some last-ditch clearances. Joao Pedro then missed a golden opportunity to score. Eventually, we made them pay. Dalot's goal was beautiful after a great pass from Casemiro, and then Hojlund came off the bench to net another with his right foot, giving us a positive finish to the season. We'll see if things get even better next week."

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