See what Manchester United fans are saying about Nigerian-born Joshua Zirkzee after Joao Pedro gives Brighton all 3 points in a Premier League encounter.
After a fiercely contested match, Manchester United was soundly defeated 2-1 at Brighton on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
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Manager Erik ten Hag seemed to have faith in the team that defeated Fulham 1-0 at Old Trafford, starting with the same starting lineup from their opening encounter.
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United were on the attack for the majority of the first half, pressing hard and pushing into the hosts' final third.
Both teams struggled mightily in the midfield, failing to create any scoring opportunities.
Disaster struck in the 31st minute when Brighton took the lead against all odds thanks to a close-range goal from former United player Danny Welbeck.
At the half, Ten Hag did make the necessary substitution, starting Joshua Zirkzee in place of Mason Mount.
Amad Diallo equalized the score at the hour mark after receiving the ball on the right side, racing into the box, and dodging Jan Paul van Hecke to get to the center. There, he hit a strong shot that was deflected into the back of the net.
Joao Pedro scored for Brighton in the 95th minute, beating his opponent to head in a cross after a corner.
A depressing moment for United after numerous profitable scoring opportunities on the opposing end of the field.
After surrendering late in a closely contested game, United players visibly lost their composure and lowered their heads in shame when the game ended.
Manchester United fans blame Selfish Zirkzee for loss to Brighton
Several Manchester United players are dominating the social media trends following the loss.
The name that has come up the most is that of the new arrival Joshua Zirkzee.
Zirkee was the hero with the only goal as Manchester United beat Fulham last week.
However, fans are piling on him after an error coming in as a substitute away against Brighton.
Twenty minutes remained, and United took advantage of Brighton's high defensive line to launch a swift counterattack.
Amad threaded a pass through to Fernandes, who found Garnacho in the box to score, but a quick VAR review ruled that the goal was offside.
VAR declared the goal offside because the ball struck an offside Zirkzee's knee on the goalline before it crossed the line.
Man United would ultimately lose the match, and Ten Hag is being blamed for his dubious starting lineup choice as well as Zirkzee's mishap.
Despite being of Nigerian descent, some fans in the country branded Zirkzee selfish for trying to steal the goal and add to his tally.
See reactions below
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