Man Utd win over Brighton fails to avoid worst-ever Premier League finish - 5 talking points

Manchester United ended their Premier League season with a win - but it wasn't enough to avoid their worst-ever finish.

Diogo Dalot's second-half goal out of nothing and a late clincher from Rasmus Hojlund were enough to take all three points at Brighton, who dominated proceedings but somehow failed to hit the back of the net. Erik ten Hag's United went into the game knowing that they'd need Newcastle to drop points in their trip to Brentford, but their 4-2 victory stopped the Red Devils from finishing seventh and potentially clinching a Conference League spot.

United finished eighth, three places ahead of bottom-half Brighton. The Seagulls couldn't end Roberto De Zerbi's tenure with a fifth successive league win against Ten Hag and co, who can still qualify for next season's Europa League if they beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final next weekend.

Here are five talking points from the Amex.

1. Brighton give United deja vu

For the first half of United's trip to Brighton, see their performance at Brentford six weeks ago. Cut open at the hosts' will, the Red Devils were extremely lucky to find themselves 1-0 down at the break.

Joao Pedro had numerous opportunities to punish United's lacklustre efforts and when he flashed a shot wide of Andre Onana's goal, United winger Alejandro Garnacho cut a frustrated figure and was seen gesturing to the touchline, seemingly to ask Erik ten Hag what on Earth was going on?

The Red Devils appeared to be treating the game like a dress rehearsal for next Saturday's FA Cup final; sitting back against a team superior on the ball and hoping to break with pace. The problem was Brighton were easily foiling their plan, with Sofyan Amrabat in particular struggling against the Seagulls' press.

If they weren't coasting to a league title, Manchester City would've been licking their lips watching.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Joao Pedro of Brighton & Hove Albion shoots wide whilst under pressure from Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United at American Express Community Stadium on May 19, 2024 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

2. Fernandes' frustration speaks volumes

On one of the rare occasions United actually managed to get into Brighton's box and put some pressure on the home defence, Bruno Fernandes summed up the emotions of every Red Devils supporter when he lunged in on Carlos Baleba. The Brighton midfielder had cut out a chance created by Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Kobbie Mainoo but was promptly scythed down by Fernandes.

The Red Devils captain - subbed off before the 60-minute mark amid reports that he could leave this summer - had attempted to pull out once he know that Baleba was releasing the ball, but it didn't stop referee Craig Pawson to give him a yellow card. It was a moment which epitomised how Brighton were one step ahead, although the scoreline was level at half-time.

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BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United in action during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United at American Express Community Stadium on May 19, 2024 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

3. Lallana's teary farewell

Like his manager, Adam Lallana bid farewell to Brighton in emotional fashion. The 36-year-old has spent the last four seasons on the south coast, combining playing a role as an experienced member of the squad with earning his coaching badges.

Lallana wore the captain's armband in the absence of the injured Lewis Dunk and still looked as slick as ever on the ball, but retirement could be looming for the ex- Liverpool and Southampton midfielder. His team-mates crowded around him as he walked off with tears in his eyes before being replaced by Julio Enciso early in the second half.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Adam Lallana of Brighton & Hove Albion acknowledges the fans as he is substituted during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United at American Express Community Stadium on May 19, 2024 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)

4. Dalot with the dagger

Just as warm evening appeared to be taking its toll on both sides as the action slowed down, Diogo Dalot struck from out of nowhere and left Brighton dumbfounded. A long ball over the top from Casemiro wasn't dealt with by Igor, falling straight into the path of Dalot, who swept the ball past Jason Steele into the back of the net.

Rasmus Hojlund's introduction from the bench gave United a new dimension in attack and his occupation of Igor might've made the difference. Erik ten Hag reacted by making two changes with the cup final in mind, bringing Mainoo and Amad off for Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford to help see the game out, with Hojlund making it 2-0 in the closing stages.

Manchester United's Portuguese defender #20 Diogo Dalot scores the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester United at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on May 19, 2024. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

5. Arrivederci, De Zerbi

On a weekend full of departures, Roberto De Zerbi waved goodbye to Brighton after an historic 20 months in charge. Having taken over seamlessly from Graham Potter before taking the Seagulls to Wembley for an FA Cup semi-final and clinching Europa League qualification, the Italian will go down as one of the Seagulls' greatest ever managers.

But all good things come an end, as owner Tony Bloom will be well aware of. Disagreements over Brighton's summer transfer strategy has led to a parting of the ways but De Zerbi certainly won't be short of options for his next job - potentially succeeding Ten Hag.

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