“He is the only one to blame, he couldn’t even clear the ball” – Man Utd fans lose it with one player after conceding last minute winner against Brighton Manchester United fans are blaming one player for allowing Brighton to score a last minute winner on Saturday.💔😩

After a gut-wrenching defeat at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester United supporters have shifted their frustration towards one of their own. In the dying seconds of their Premier League clash, Brighton’s forward, Joao Pedro, delivered a crushing blow by scoring a decisive goal in the 95th minute, leading to a bitter loss for the Red Devils, who had hoped to continue their early-season momentum.

Just a week earlier, United had narrowly secured a win in their first game of the 2024/25 Premier League season against Fulham, with a last-gasp goal from new signing Joshua Zirkzee sealing a 1-0 victory. The euphoria surrounding that triumph was short-lived, however, as the disappointing performance against Brighton brought United crashing back down to earth, leaving fans disillusioned and searching for a scapegoat.

In the aftermath of the loss, social media buzzed with criticism, much of it directed at Portuguese defender Diogo Dalot. Fans singled out Dalot for his apparent lapse in positioning during the buildup to Brighton’s winning goal, arguing that his failure to mark Joao Pedro properly was a critical factor in the team’s defeat. Observers noted that Dalot seemed out of place, giving Pedro the space to score unchallenged from close range. This defensive error became a major talking point among United supporters.

One fan, expressing their frustration on X (formerly Twitter), wrote, “This is what happens when you keep overhyping average players like Dalot. His positioning speaks volumes about his concentration levels. Not the first time, and definitely not the last.” Another echoed this sentiment, saying, “Dalot at the back post AGAIN… But I have an agenda, whatever man cba.” A third fan criticized the overall defensive awareness of the team, stating, “I understand there’s 3 people left unmarked on the back post but Dalot lets the guy creep in 5 yards in the 18-yard box and doesn’t even try to block anything.”

Dalot, who had been a key player for Manchester United last season with 50 appearances, three goals, and seven clean sheets in the Premier League, now finds himself under intense scrutiny. The criticism comes at a time when United’s defensive vulnerabilities have been a persistent issue, and his mistake against Brighton has only intensified concerns about the team’s ability to hold onto crucial leads.

This situation has reignited debates about Manchester United’s defensive weaknesses, a recurring problem in recent seasons. Fans and pundits alike have questioned the team’s ability to maintain focus and discipline in the backline, especially in high-pressure situations. Dalot’s error against Brighton has become emblematic of a larger issue that the team must address if they hope to compete for top honors this season.

For Brighton, the victory over Manchester United marked their second consecutive win of the season, building on their impressive 3-0 win over Everton in their opening match. The result temporarily elevated Brighton to the top of the Premier League table, showcasing their strong start to the campaign and signaling their intent to challenge the league’s elite.

As Manchester United looks to the future, their schedule only gets tougher. They are set to host Liverpool at Old Trafford in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season. This match will be the first meeting between United and Liverpool under Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, who took over in June. The game promises to be a significant test for United and an opportunity to redeem themselves in front of their home crowd.

Meanwhile, Brighton will turn their attention to the EFL Cup, where they will face Crawley Town in the second round before preparing for a challenging away match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The Seagulls will be keen to keep up their momentum and continue their impressive early-season form.

The backlash over Dalot’s performance underscores the high expectations placed on Manchester United players. As a club with a storied history of success, United’s fans demand excellence, especially in critical moments when the team needs to secure important results. Dalot’s mistake serves as a reminder that individual errors can have significant consequences, particularly in a league as fiercely competitive as the Premier League.

As the season unfolds, how Dalot and his teammates respond to this early setback will be crucial. The pressure is on for Manchester United to show resilience and bounce back from this disappointment. Their ability to rise to the occasion and resolve their defensive issues will be a key factor in determining their success in the 2024/25 campaign.