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

One former Manchester United player was left in shock as Bruno Fernandes was doing “everything on his own” against Brighton on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester United endured their first defeat of 2025 as Brighton & Hove Albion claimed a commanding 3-1 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, outplaying Rúben Amorim’s side.

United’s defensive struggles were evident from the outset, with Yankuba Minteh giving the visitors the lead just five minutes in. Despite the early setback, United managed to respond midway through the first half. Joshua Zirkzee earned a penalty after being brought down, and Bruno Fernandes confidently converted to draw the hosts level.

In the second half, Brighton thought they had regained the lead when João Pedro found the net, but the goal was overturned after VAR spotted a foul on Diogo Dalot in the build-up. However, Brighton’s persistence paid off on the hour mark, with Kaoru Mitoma restoring their advantage with a well-taken finish.

The result was sealed in the 75th minute following a costly mistake by André Onana. The United goalkeeper spilled a routine ball, allowing substitute Georginio Rutter to pounce and slot home Brighton’s third.

Although United pushed for a way back into the game, Brighton’s organised and resolute defence held firm, securing a well-earned victory for the Seagulls and leaving United with plenty to ponder.

Fernandes leaves Dublin in shock vs Brighton

United were really poor against Brighton, looking organisationally all over the place compared to the well-drilled visiting team, who systematically rolled over Amorim’s men.

While there were some individual highlights, with good moments coming from Zirkzee and Amad, former United striker Dion Dublin was left in shock at his old team’s display, with Fernandes doing “everything” on his own.

“I don’t think they believed Man United from what I could see,” Dublin said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“Bruno Fernandes is trying to do everything on his own. The quality I was seeing in the red shirts wasn’t enough. Brighton were good and energetic – they were physically better. Brighton deserved to win the game.”

Continuing, he said: “Bruno Fernandes, I have got to give him his due – he is trying his hardest and he is everywhere.

“Brighton seem to know what they’re doing whereas United are very disjointed – it was pretty quiet in here.”

Read More: Brighton manager slams Manchester United star after key moment in Old Trafford defeat

Fernandes had 75 touches during the game, the most of any United player on the pitch, joint with defender Harry Maguire.

Playing the full 90 minutes, he made 12 passes into the club’s final third without United capitalising on any of them, scoring the team’s only goal from the spot and completing 45 of his 57 attempted passes.

Fernandes has had to carry the club on his back many times since he arrived five years ago, but even he couldn’t conjure the magic to save his team on Sunday.

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