Manchester United’s five things noticed as Rúben Amorim’s unfortunate prediction comes true vs Brighton

Manchester United’s five things noticed against Brighton as an unfortunate prediction from Rúben Amorim came true in the Premier League.

Rúben Amorim chose to start Joshua Zirkzee as the striker as Manchester United welcomed Brighton & Hove Albion to Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The tie started with United in disarray at the back, with Yankuba Minteh netting after just five minutes for the visitors. While United continued to push, Brighton remained compact and organised, but after 20 minutes, Zirkzee was able to win a penalty, which Bruno Fernandes duly converted.

In the second half, Brighton had the ball in the net again after ten minutes, but the goal was ruled out after VAR proved Diogo Dalot was fouled a moment before Joao Pedro’s finish. With 60 minutes played, Kaoru Mitoma then restored the visitor’s lead.

For Brighton’s third, the blame must be handed to André Onana, who spilt the ball straight into the path of substitute Georginio Rutter, who finished with ease with 15 minutes to play.

Although United tried to search for even just one goal to get themselves back into the game, the well-drilled visiting team showed their organisational prowess and marshalled the game to a deserved victory for the Seagulls.

#1 – Zirkzee one of only positives today

With Zirkzee starting ahead of Rasmus Højlund for the tie, the Netherlands international put in a solid performance that he can certainly build from in the next few weeks.

With most of the 23-year-old’s good performances coming from appearances off the bench, this was the first time in a while he was able to put in a sustained display from the start. His hold-up play was good, he connected with his teammates, and winning the first-half penalty added to this.

In the second half, he was less impactful as he was nursing a slight shoulder problem, but overall, he was one of the side’s only positives on the afternoon. Amad must be credited for being his usual class self, but he could not do enough to carry the side on his back once again.

#2 – Dalot had a bipolar performance

Diogo Dalot returned to the starting XI after missing the Southampton game via a suspension, and although he was fantastic in possession, his out-of-possession movement and positioning left much to be desired.

Often found marauding down the left flank, he was a good attacking threat for United, but for Brighton’s second goal, he decided to show Danny Welbeck onto his strong left foot, with the ex-United player whipping a cross in for Mitoma.

I’m crying look at Dalot. The player is left footed and you’re showing him unto his left foot?🤦‍♂️
Sure thing it’s not his position but this is shocking defending.

Sign a LWB now @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/3eNEQVxD3C

— MUFC Academy (@mufcacademy91) January 19, 2025

United are in the market for a left wing-back, and as is said every week, they need to secure one sooner rather than later, especially if Tyrell Malacia leaves the club this month.

#3 – Midfield being completely dissected

It was no surprise that just after 60 minutes, both Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte were hooked, as both players were completely ran though by Brighton’s midfield, being dissected on multiple occasions.

With Toby Collyer coming on to replace them and Fernandes dropping deep beside him, United went on the attack, but Brighton were able to deal with the Reds with ease, although Collyer looked confident and good on the ball.

Aside from left-back, the midfield is potentially another weak spot in United’s side, and it has been stated previously that Amorim is very keen to upgrade his options there.

#4 – Another week, another individual error

Under Amorim, United’s biggest downfall has been a series of comical individual errors that lead to a consistent stream of goals conceded.

While the quality of the players in his squad is evident through flashes, far too often their concentration fails them, with Premier League opposition always ready to pounce and capitalise.

This time, the error came from Onana, who has been fantastic overall since the Portuguese international arrived but a man whose career at Old Trafford has been littered with spells of poor errors.

#5 – Amorim’s unfortunate prediction comes immediately true

Ahead of the game, Amorim was asked about United’s topsy-turvy and inconsistent form, to which he replied, “I think it’s going to be hard until the end of the season. It’s going to be a little bit of that roller coaster.”

Unfortunately for United fans, this came true immediately against Brighton. After the high of the first three results of 2025, the players failed to live up to expectations on Sunday afternoon.

They have already proved that Amorim is spot on with his prediction for the rest of the campaign, and United fans will just have to grin and bear the inconsistency until the summer.

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