Rasmus Hojlund and Diogo Dalot helped Manchester United finish their worst Premier League season with a 2-0 victory at Brighton.
Despite the win, Erik ten Hag’s side end the campaign eighth – their lowest top-flight finish since 1989-90.
Brighton, meanwhile, failed to give departing boss Roberto de Zerbi the perfect send-off, despite having the better chances and dominating possession.
Adam Webster and Joao Pedro came closest to putting the Seagulls ahead in the first half, but they each lacked the clinical edge to beat Andre Onana.
Brighton were left regretting missed chances when Dalot slotted past Jason Steele in the 73rd minute, before substitute Hojlund sealed the three points two minutes before the end of normal time.
The Seagulls end the season 11th, missing out on the top half by a single point.
Manchester United went into the final day knowing they needed a result better than Newcastle’s to guarantee seventh place and European football next season.
But hopes quickly faded as the Magpies went into the half-time break with a 3-0 lead at Brentford.
Newcastle eventually wrapped up a 4-2 win, meaning the Red Devils will have to beat Manchester City in the FA Cup on Saturday if they are to secure a spot in next season’s Europa League.
Lacklustre display sums up Man Utd season
Before their season-finale against Brighton, Ten Hag said Manchester United were in a stronger position now than they were 12 months ago.
But they have swapped a third-place finish and the Champions League for eighth, along with the possibility of no European football next season.
Their performance at Amex Stadium summed up an underwhelming season, as United struggled to deal with Brighton’s intricate passing and were pinned into their own half for much of the game.
However, makeshift centre-back Casemiro put recent criticism behind him as he kept United in the game with a brilliant goalline clearance from Joao Pedro.
The Brazilian, normally a defensive midfielder, also set up Dalot’s goal, sending a superb ball over the top of the Brighton defence.
Despite their worst Premier League finish, there have been positives for United this season and Hojlund’s performance off the bench was an example.
The Denmark international linked up with Christian Eriksen before waltzing through the Brighton defence and unleashing a low strike past Steele.
United’s chance to win the FA Cup on Saturday was evident when Ten Hag made the decision to rest players, substituting Lisandro Martinez and Bruno Fernandes before the hour mark.
The victory will boost confidence, and likely keep under-pressure Ten Hag in a job until Saturday’s final, but United will need to improve massively over the next week if they are to challenge Premier League champions Manchester City at Wembley.
bbc
