Brighton vs Man Utd LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction as Seagulls hammer dismal United
Brighton 4-0 Man Utd: Reaction from the Amex Stadium as the Seagulls thump the woeful Red Devils
Brighton and Hove Albion host Manchester United on Saturday’s late afternoon kick-off, with the Red Devils still fighting for a European berth for next season - although a Champions League spot is now incredibly unlikely to be awaiting Erik ten Hag. The Ajax boss takes over from Ralf Rangnick in the summer, with the latter being appointed Austria’s national team manager alongside a consultancy role at Old Trafford.
Before that though, United still have to claim enough points to at least ensure they finish sixth and take a Europa League place for 2022/23, with the Monday night win over Brentford a step in the right direction. They have just two matches left to play this season, able to reach a maximum of 64 points.
For Brighton, it’s about ensuring they finish the campaign strongly enough to be in the top 10, having been through spells of impressive football this term - but also the usual lack of a scoring touch, with just 34 scored in their 35 Premier League games so far. However they have lost only one of the last six and sit ninth.
Follow all the reaction from Brighton vs Man United below:
Brighton and Man Utd recent results
Brighton have only lost once in their last six Premier League matches - a 3-0 defeat away to Manchester City on 20th April. The Seagulls come into the game having recently beaten Arsenal and Tottenham, earned a 2-2 draw with Southampton and won 3-0 against Wolves last time out.
After bruising defeats to Arsenal and Liverpool, Manchester United are unbeaten in their last two league games. They managed to comeback to draw 1-1 with Chelsea before sweeping Brentford aside 3-0 in their final home game of the season last Monday. Can Ralf Rangnick’s men end the season with three consecutive wins. If they do they will equalise their lowest ever points tally in the Premier League.
Premier League standings
Manchester United will draw level on points with Tottenham if they defeat Brighton today. The Red Devils are currently sitting in sixth place and are aiming to achieve Europa League football next season after their charge to the top four floundered and died off. Instead they are limping towards the end of the season but can catch Spurs ahead of their clash with Liverpool later tonight.
Brighton meanwhile are hoping to end the season in the top 10. They head into the match in 10th place and could move up to ninth if they avoid defeat against United. Manager Graham Potter will be overjoyed with the Seagulls’ season as they are heading towards their highest ever finish in the Premier League.
Early team news for Brighton vs Man Utd
Enock Mwepu has a groin injury and misses the game for Brighton. The other absentees include Jeremy Sarmiento out with a hamstring issue and Jakub Moder who is a long-term absentee.
Manchester United captain Harry Maguire is set to return after missing the past three games with a knee injury but Eric Bailly is struggling with a back complaint and Marcus Rashford has been ruled out through illness.
Jesse Lingard could feature after being an unused substitute in United’s last game at Old Trafford.
Ralf Rangnick claims Man Utd board blocked January move for striker
Ralf Rangnick has claimed Manchester United’s board rejected his recommendation to sign a striker in January in a move which may have cost them Champions League football next season.
The interim manager said he told the club they should seek reinforcements in the final days of the January transfer window, with Mason Greenwood indefinitely suspended on January 30 following rape allegations, Edinson Cavani suffering with injury and Anthony Martial having left for Sevilla on loan.
“I was informed about the issue around Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial had already left, and then I was aware that within four days we had some strikers missing and that it might make sense (to buy),” Rangnick said.
“We were still in three competitions – the FA Cup, the Champions League, at the time we were fourth in the league…
“I spoke to the board and told them, ‘Shouldn’t we at least speak and analyse and find if we can at least get a player, on loan or a permanent deal?’
“In the end the answer was no. The answer was no, maybe they didn’t want to do any winter (business). It doesn’t matter, the answer was no.”
Ralf Rangnick claims Man Utd board blocked January move for striker
The suspension of Mason Greenwood for legal reasons, added to Anthony Martial’s loan exit and Edinson Cavani’s absence, left United short in attack.
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