Manchester United were defeated 4-0 by Brighton at the Amex Stadium, ensuring that the visitors finished the season with their lowest points total in Premier League history. Ralf Rangnick’s team can no longer match the 64 points they earned in the 2013/14 season, as the German’s penultimate game in temporary control reached a new low.
After a magnificent effort from Moises Caicedo (15) early in the first half, goals from Marc Cucurella (48), Pascal Gross (57), and Leandro Trossard (60) ensured Brighton, who had not won at home since Boxing Day, remained on target for their best top-flight finish. United have now lost five consecutive Premier League away games with defeats at Manchester City, Everton, Liverpool, and Arsenal. It’s their longest winning streak since a run of six from December 1980 to March 1981.
Brighton dominated from the start, and Caicedo scored his first goal for the club in the 15th minute, tucking a low effort inside the post from outside the box after the ball ricocheted off Alex Telles. Rangnick replied by putting on Edinson Cavani and Fred at halftime in place of Nemanja Matic and Anthony Elanga as United trailed 1-0 at the break, but the hosts rallied.
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Four minutes after the break, Marc Cucurella made it 2-0 with a close-range shot into the roof of the net, before Pascal Gross guided a shot past David de Gea nine minutes later. Leandro Trossard’s fourth goal came from Diogo Dalot’s clearance off the goal line after an intricate Brighton passing move went off his chest and into the United goal.
Brighton continued to find holes in United’s defense and apply pressure but Manchester United made it impossible for them to add to their tally. Man United have already conceded 56 goals in the Premier League this season, their worst defensive record in the Premier League division in a single season.
With one game remaining, United’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League are now mathematically unattainable since they are five points behind fourth-placed Arsenal. With two games remaining, Brighton sits in ninth place, five points below a Europa Conference League place.
