João Pedro’s dramatic 95th-minute header clinched a 2-1 victory for Brighton & Hove Albion against Manchester United at the Amex Stadium, marking Brighton’s fifth win in six head-to-head encounters with United. This result adds to Brighton’s impressive start to the season, following their 3-0 triumph over Everton last weekend.
Brighton began the match strongly, with João Pedro testing United’s defense early on. Despite Manchester United having a solid defensive structure, they missed a key opportunity when Amad Diallo failed to convert a well-placed cross from Diogo Dalot.
Brighton’s breakthrough came in the 31st minute when Kaoru Mitoma’s low cross was tapped in by former Manchester United player Danny Welbeck. United thought they had equalized soon after, but Marcus Rashford’s goal was ruled offside.
In the second half, United showed more intent and eventually equalized with around 30 minutes remaining. A through ball from Noussair Mazraoui found Diallo, who scored with the help of a deflection off Jan Paul Van Hecke.
Both teams searched for a winner in a thrilling end-to-end finish. United believed they had found it when Joshua Zirkzee knocked in Alejandro Garnacho’s shot, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Just as the match seemed destined for a draw, João Pedro headed in Simon Adingra’s chipped cross to secure all three points for Brighton.
The victory gives Brighton a perfect start under new manager Fabian Hürzeler, while Erik ten Hag and Manchester United are left to rue their inability to hold out in the closing moments of the match.
