Owen Hargreaves explains what Manchester United stars “never” did vs Brighton, it cost them the game

Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has explained what Rúben Amorim’s men missed the most on Sunday evening during their Brighton loss.

Manchester United’s unbeaten start to 2025 came to an abrupt end as Brighton & Hove Albion earned a commanding 3-1 victory at Old Trafford, leaving Rúben Amorim’s side thoroughly outplayed on Sunday afternoon.

The Seagulls struck early, with Yankuba Minteh capitalising on defensive chaos to score just five minutes into the match. United, struggling to find their rhythm, were gifted a lifeline in the 20th minute when Joshua Zirkzee won a penalty. Bruno Fernandes stepped up and converted with confidence to bring the hosts level.

Brighton thought they had regained the lead ten minutes into the second half when João Pedro found the back of the net, but VAR intervened to disallow the goal for a foul on Diogo Dalot in the build-up. However, the visitors were undeterred and deservedly restored their lead on the hour mark, with Kaoru Mitoma coolly finishing after another incisive move.

The match was effectively decided in the 75th minute when André Onana mishandled the ball, spilling it into the path of substitute Georginio Rutter, who made no mistake in slotting home Brighton’s third.

Despite United’s efforts to mount a response, Brighton’s disciplined and organised display ensured the home side were unable to create any meaningful chances, sealing a deserved victory for the visitors and leaving United to reflect on a humbling defeat.

Hargreaves rips into United stars following Brighton loss

Former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves, now a prolific pundit, has ripped into the players following the loss, explaining that more than anything, the club never looked like scoring.

 “They [United] never looked like scoring,” Hargreaves told Premier League Productions.

“They scored from a penalty, that was it. Brighton had one disallowed, scored three and had numerous chances outside of that. When you see the graphic there, the last six results, everybody is giving United trouble.”

“I mean, Southampton are last place with six points from 60 and could have got something. So when you think you’re going to play Newcastle, Bournemouth…you’re going to get punished. And I think that’s the worry for Amorim.”

“He’s come in and said, ‘Look, I’m going to play this way.’ You’d have to say it doesn’t suit the players that they have right now. It’s not just about playing your way, which is fine. You have got to find a way to get results. That’s it.”

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