“Awful…” Manchester United star slammed for Brighton performance as summer interview haunts him

André Onana has been slammed for his horror moment against Brighton as Manchester United fell to a 3-1 Premier League loss at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester United suffered their first defeat of 2025 as Brighton & Hove Albion secured an impressive 3-1 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, thoroughly outclassing Rúben Amorim’s side.

The match began disastrously for United, with their defensive frailties exposed early on as Yankuba Minteh struck for the visitors just five minutes in. Despite a disjointed start, United managed to find a way back into the game after 20 minutes. Joshua Zirkzee won a penalty, and Bruno Fernandes calmly stepped up to convert, levelling the score.

Brighton thought they had reclaimed the lead ten minutes into the second half when João Pedro found the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review, which revealed a foul on Diogo Dalot in the build-up.

However, the visitors didn’t have to wait long to restore their advantage. On the hour mark, Kaoru Mitoma clinically finished to put Brighton ahead once more.

The Seagulls sealed their victory in the 75th minute after a costly error from André Onana. The United goalkeeper spilled a routine ball into the path of substitute Georginio Rutter, who made no mistake in punishing the mistake and extending Brighton’s lead.

Despite United’s attempts to rally and reduce the deficit, Brighton’s defensive discipline and tactical organisation stifled any hopes of a comeback, ensuring the visitors left Old Trafford with a deserved three points.

Onana slammed for “awful” moment vs Brighton

Onana’s blunder that ultimately put the tie to bed at Old Trafford has been labelled as “awful” considering that there was no pressure around the goalkeeper before his spill.

Former United player Dion Dublin, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, was in shock at Onana’s error while commentating on the tie.

“An awful mistake from Andre Onana,” the former English striker said. “He will not want to look at this. He has no players around him.

“There is no danger! Just gather it and take it in. Deary me!”

Summer interview comes back to haunt Onana

As pointed out by Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst, United fans are becoming frustrated with Onana.

Read More: 75 touches, 45 passes – Manchester United star was doing “everything on his own” vs Brighton as ex-player in shock

In the summer, the goalkeeper vowed he would be taking even more risks this season, but instead he has slowed how he plays with the ball.

Onana has always been a contentious topic among United fans, with his heroic saves mixed in with bad errors that have cost his side.

While he will likely not be replaced anytime soon as other more pressing positions must be addressed within the squad, the Cameroon international must fix his game.

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