Report and free highlights as Man Utd finish eighth in the Premier League despite victory at Brighton; Hosts dominate first 60 minutes with Joao Pedro having his close-range effort cleared off the line; Diogo Dalot fires Man Utd into second-half lead before Rasmus Hojlund secures win
Sunday 19 May 2024 21:49, UK
Manchester United recorded their worst finishing position in Premier League history despite ruining Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi’s final match with a 2-0 victory.
United finished outside of the European places in eighth, their lowest position since 1990, but can still qualify for the Europa League should they beat champions Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
Newcastle won 4-2 at Brentford to secure seventh on goal difference, rendering United's result meaningless in the race for the top seven as they delivered a typically mixed performance on the south coast.
De Zerbi was given a rousing ovation before and after the match which Brighton dominated for an hour, missing chance after chance, with their best falling to Joao Pedro in the second half who saw his effort cleared off the line by Casemiro.
United then scored out of nothing with Casemiro's long ball forward not dealt with by the Brighton defence, allowing Diogo Dalot to finish before substitute Rasmus Hojlund wrapped up the victory.
Brighton controlled the first half with young full-back Valentin Barco afforded too much space down the United right and ghosted past Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the box, but saw his shot saved by Andre Onana.
Adam Webster was a threat with three efforts from set pieces in the first-half seeing his best chance deflected over by Lisandro Martinez just yards from the goalline moments after Scott McTominay had fired over the visitors' only chance on a rare counter-attack.
Newcastle scored three times at Brentford in 17 first-half minutes to all but secure seventh place as United toiled in the heat with Joao Pedro dragging a shot wide when well-placed in the area.
United passed the ball far too slowly when in possession and were fortunate again at the start of the second half when Casemiro managed to clear Pedro's effort off the line and Adam Lallana's follow-up was deflected over.
Lallana was given a standing ovation when he was subbed off on his last appearance for Brighton while Ten Hag removed Bruno Fernandes and Martinez with an eye on next weekend.
United gradually improved with Amad Diallo firing over from outside the area before Dalot raced in behind the Brighton defence to fire past Jason Steele.
Ten Hag's substitutes Christian Eriksen and Hojlund then combined to secure the victory in front of the travelling United supporters.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said:
"In the first half, we were not 100 per cent in control. At half-time, we made some changes and then the second half was much better. Defending, organisation, pressing was better, but also in possession, we kept the ball better and made good movements in behind."
On Hojlund's impact and playing with a false No 9: "The manager and the coaching team have luxury problems, which is good. Both formations [with or without a false No 9] can be a success.
"We can play how we set up at the Etihad where we were a threat with the movement in behind. But with Rasmus Hojlund in this form, it's absolutely a consideration that we have to take. But we not only need 11 players, we need a bench as well."
On defenders returning from injuries: "Our position was a nightmare across the season with all the injuries and if you want to have results, one of the foundations of a good team is a centre-back partnership. We didn't have that so I'm glad we have options for next week. We have to think about qualities but also fitness levels, so we probably need more than two next week."
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi said:
On leaving Brighton "We didn't find the right agreement to move on and stay together, but nothing changes for me. I know very well what I want in my life, what I want from football. Football is my life and I can't change my passion, my target, my style of life.
"I respect the club, I respect everything, and I have to be thankful to Tony Bloom and his family, Paul Barber and the whole club because they gave me the opportunity to work in the Premier League, which is the best league in the world.
"This group of players has been the best in my career in terms of relationships. They gave me the chance to discover Brighton and I have an incredible connection with the city. I love this city and I've got a great connection with the fans too.
"I know my DNA, I know my level of my passion, I know what I need to feel good in life and to feel good in my work. There isn't another club right now. I haven't had any offers. You can choose if you believe me or not but it's like this."
Return to the Premier League one day? "I hope my story in the Premier League is not over. I hope to work in the Premier League again, but I don't know when or where. It's been an honour working in the Premier League. The stadiums are incredible and the atmospheres are unique.
"If I have to stay at home for three, four, or five months, it won't be a problem for me because I will study different games, different teams and different coaches. Every year is different and you have to stay knowledgeable if you want to stay at the top level.
"I hope to find a solution before the season starts but at the moment there isn't any team."
The 2023/24 season has reached its conclusion but planning has already started for the new campaign.
Several Premier League sides have confirmed pre-season friendlies ahead of the 2024/25 term, which kicks off on the weekend of August 17/18, while others have given fresh kits an early airing.
The Premier League fixtures - all 380 of them - will be released at 9am on Tuesday, June 18, with full coverage on Sky Sports News and Sky Sports' digital platforms.
The new EFL season starts on the weekend of August 10/11 and marks the launch of Sky Sports+, giving more choice to sports fans via live streams and a new dedicated channel, at no extra cost. In a broadcasting first, every EFL game across all three divisions - the Championship, League One and League Two - will be streamed live on the opening weekend.
Stand by for another busy summer in the transfer window - clubs can do business from June 14 until August 30 and the Sky Sports Transfer Centre will keep you posted with all the latest news and rumours.
Euro 2024 is just weeks away, too. Keep track of England's Euro fixtures, check out the full tournament schedule in Germany and join us on skysports.com or the Sky Sports app to follow every game with our live match blogs.
