Manchester United legend singles out one player for blame after Red Devils' loss to Brighton

Manchester United stars and Erik Ten Hag | Imago

Manchester United legend singles out one player for blame after Red Devils' loss to Brighton

Ayoola Kelechi 17:23 - 24.08.2024

Gary Neville has pointed the finger at one Manchester United player for their last-minute defeat against Brighton which cost the Red Devils a point in their second Premier League game

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville did not hold back in his post-match analysis following the Red Devils’ disappointing Premier League loss to Brighton, concentrating his anger on one player, whose apparent lapse the former Valencia coach blames for the loss.

Manchester United suffer Brighton setback

The Red Devils suffered a heartbreaking 95th-minute defeat in their second Premier League match of the season, as Brazilian forward Joao Pedro secured a 2-1 victory for Brighton in additional time.

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Former United striker Danny Welbeck put Brighton ahead around the 30-minute mark, but the Red Devils fought back to level with a goal from Ivorian forward Amad Diallo.

Joao Pedro scored the winner against Manchester United | Imago

However, after Alejandro Garnacho's potential late winner was disallowed due to Joshua Zirkzee’s lapse in concentration, United's hopes were dashed when Joao Pedro scored in the dying moments, sealing a 2-1 win for Brighton.

Neville slams veteran for Manchester United loss

Speaking after the game, Manchester United legend Neville, was critical of the Red Devils’ defensive lapses, especially their failure to handle the second phase of a corner that led to Brighton’s winning goal, saying, "In the second half, the first goal was poor defensively, but that last goal I've just watched it—when you clear from a corner, you've got to still defend as you would the second phase of a corner."

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville || Credit: Imago

The former England international defender singled out Brazilian midfielder Casemiro for his role in the decisive goal, adding "In particular, if you watch Casemiro, it looks to me like he leaves his position at the back post and goes back into central midfield," Neville noted. "But it then leaves acres of space in the back zone. A lack of concentration, a lack of focus, and it does put some pressure on them [Manchester United]."

Casemiro against Brighton | Imago
Casemiro against Brighton | Imago Casemiro against Brighton | Imago

The loss to Brighton leaves Manchester United with three points from their opening two games and will certainly disappoint fans of the Red Devils who hoped to see their side contest for the Premier League title this season.