Manchester United’s Premier League campaign came to a close with a 2-0 victory over Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, thanks to Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Hojlund. Erik ten Hag’s team had looked terrible for long stretches, so the Red Devils will consider themselves fortunate to have survived. The visitors were overwhelmed by their hosts at times and could have been annihilated if Brighton had found the net before Dalot got on the end of a fantastic Casemiro pass and shot into the net.

Ten Hag’s team struggled to break out of their half in the first 45 minutes, as Brighton applied pressure and limited their passing options. United appeared to be up for the battle as the second half began, but the Seagulls settled quickly and were denied a goal when Casemiro saved a shot on the line. Dominant and threatening, the hosts should have dominated the Red Devils but had too many chances thwarted by blocks or bad finishing.

The entrance of Hojlund at the hour mark gave United a much-needed boost, as he pushed for the ball and handed the Red Devils a goal up front. In addition to having a minor impact on the opener, he went on a terrific run and tucked into the net to make it 2-0 at the end.

With the FA Cup final against Manchester City approaching, Red Devils fans will be concerned about their team’s shape as they attempt to cause a big upset against the English champions and finish the season with a trophy.

OAL assesses United’s players on the Amex…

Lisandro Martinez Manchester United Adam Lallana Brighton 2023–24Getty: Goalkeeper and Defense.

Andre Onana (6/10):

He made a few good saves to keep his team in the game.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka(5/10):

Brighton had lots of space to work with at right-back, so the performance was a little sluggish.

Casemiro (8/10):

Swept up exceptionally well in the center of defence, while many of his teammates battled. Made a crucial goalline clearance early in the second half, and his ball set up the goal.

Lisandro Martinez (6/10):

His first start since February, and he made some critical interventions to eliminate the dominant hosts. Still not at his best in a disorganised team, Ten Hag will be relieved to have him back for the FA Cup final.

Diogo Dalot(7/10):

Did not provide adequate protection as Brighton continued to attack United, but scored the critical opening goal.

Alejandro Garnacho, Brighton Manchester United, 2023-24Getty, Midfield Kobbie Mainoo (6/10):

Put up a lot of effort to propel United forward, but didn’t have many excellent passing choices or help around him.

Sofiyan Amrabat (4/10):

He continued to get caught on the ball, resulting in the loss of possession in critical places and increasing pressure on his team.

Amad Diallo (6/10):

Dispossessed several times and lost too many duels, but worked hard to regain possession of the ball.

Alejandro Garnacho(6/10):

In the first half, we struggled to obtain time and space on the ball, although there were some brilliant moments.

Bruno Fernandes Manchester United Carlos Baleba, Brighton 2023-24Getty Attack: Scott McTominay (4/10)

Did well to set up a threatening attack, but his effort went over the crossbar, and he squandered another opportunity in the second half.

Bruno Fernandes (6/10):

He saw a lot of the ball but couldn’t do much to help his overwhelmed squad before leaving at the hour mark.

Erik Ten Hag Manchester United 2023-24Getty Subs and Manager: Jonny Evans (6/10).

Martinez was replaced at the hour mark and appeared to be doing well.

Rasmus Hojlund 8/10:

Fernandes was replaced, and United’s performance improved. His struggle for the ball stopped Brighton from clearing it, allowing Casemiro’s pass to find Dalot for the first goal. I had a good run and finished strong in second place.

Raphaël Varane (6/10):

Did an excellent job alongside Evans in the closing 20 minutes of his farewell Premier League game for the Red Devils.

Marcus Rashford (5/10):

I didn’t have much of an impact on the game after coming off the bench following the goal.

Christian Eriksen (6/10):

Was come in at the same time as Rashford and assisted Hojllund for the goal.

Erik Ten Hag (6/10):

His players did not appear to be up for the challenge at first, and fans will be concerned given how lifeless they look only a week before the FA Cup final. His modifications, however, had an impact, and United won.