Brighton said farewell to Roberto De Zerbi, and Manchester United can kiss goodbye to Europe unless they win the FA Cup final.
Denying Manchester City the Double on Saturday is a huge ask, but at least Erik ten Hag’s side go to Wembley with back-to-back wins after spoiling De Zerbi’s send-off in the south coast sunshine.
Victory at the Amex Stadium spared United the embarrassment of finishing with the club’s lowest-ever points total in the Premier League era – but not their lowest position.
Eighth place means they have been beaten to a Europa Conference League spot by Newcastle on goal difference as United suffered the added indignity of finishing in negative figures for the first time. Two goals in the final quarter here from Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Hojlund left Erik ten Hag’s side with a difference of minus one.
The only remaining route into Europe now is to beat City in the Cup final and qualify for the Europa League, a knock-on effect that would also nudge Newcastle out of the Conference. Keep up.
Rasmus Hojlund underlined his worth to Man United during their late 2-0 win at Brighton
Hojlund came off the bench to score United’s second in their final league match of the season
Erik ten Hag (right) has plenty of food for thought with the FA Cup final still to come for United
Being out of Europe for only the second time since 1990 might not be the worst thing for a club who have struggled to find any form or fluency throughout a heavy season riddled with injuries.
Credit to United’s away fans who were in full cry again on Sunday even when their team stumbled through another below-par first half.
‘It’s amazing,’ said Ten Hag. ‘I have said we have the best fans in the world and I mean it. I’ve never had this experience when you have a season like us, which is by far not good enough.
‘The supporters are with us. In bad times, they show they are there. I think they also know why the bad times are there, but we have to pay them back. We have to do everything to give them a trophy next week.’
United’s hopes of avenging their Cup final defeat by City a year ago looked a little brighter by full-time. Lisandro Martinez played for an hour on his first start since the beginning of February. Raphael Varane returned off the bench for the first time in more than six weeks, and could partner Martinez at Wembley, releasing Casemiro back into midfield.
‘Our centre-half position was a nightmare across the season with all the injuries. I’m glad we have something to choose from,’ said Ten Hag.
The United manager started with Bruno Fernandes as a false nine, as he did in the win over Newcastle in midweek and against City in March, and may well do so again at Wembley.
But the game changed when Hojlund came on with Jonny Evans after an hour and provided more of an attacking focus.
Lisandro Martinez (right) his first United start since the February ahead of the FA Cup final
Diogo Dalot (right) wheels away after scoring Manchester United’s opener against Brighton
Dalot slotted home from close range after a burst from defence in the 73rd minute for United
When Evans floated a pass over the top in the 73rd minute, the Dane’s physical presence was enough to put off Igor Julio. The ball hit the defender’s hand and rolled into the path of Dalot who raced through to bury a shot past Jason Steele.
Then in the 88th minute, Hojlund exchanged passes with Christian Eriksen in midfield and drove past Julio before firing home. It was his second goal in a week after coming on to score against Newcastle, taking his total for the season to 16.
‘It’s a luxury problem,’ said Ten Hag. ‘Both formations can be a success but, of course, with Rasmus Hojlund in this form it’s absolutely a consideration. He makes a very good impression.’
Brighton had enough chances to claim a fifth straight league win over United before then. Martinez and Aaron Wan-Bissaka blocked efforts from Adam Webster and Joao Pedro on the line, and Andre Onana kept out Valentin Barco’s shot with his left foot.
Roberto De Zerbi applauds the Brighton fans ahead of kick-off in what was his final game there
The Brighton fans unfurled a banner thanking the Italian for his two years ahead of the match
De Zerbi embraces Ten Hag, in what could be his last Man United Premier League game too
The Amex paid tribute to De Zerbi afterwards and the Italian insisted that his departure after 20 months in charge is down to having ‘different ideas’ to his employers and not because he has another club lined up.
‘There isn’t any club. I’ve had no offers,’ he said. ‘I hope to work in the Premier League again. I don’t know where or when. Without football is not good for me — I will smoke more cigarettes.’
